Habakkuk
- the embraced one
He was one of
the Minor Prophets of Israel, flourishing in his ministry about 630 B.C.
In the Thirty-second Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, his
name answers to certain passwords. The burden of his prophecy...
Hab. 1:1-4
Haggai
- my feast
Haggai was
one of the post-exilic prophets of Judah. He was probably born in
Babylon during the Captivity of the Jews, and returned to Jerusalem with
Zerubbabel as a young man. He is famed especially for his work in
encouraging renewal of the rebuilding of the Temple under the favorable edict
of Darius, after the work had been suspended for twenty years as a result of
interference by neighboring rulers. In the Royal Arch system in America
Haggai represents the scribe or second officer. Ezra
5:1 - Hag. 1:1 - Zech. 1:1
Hail
or Hale
This word is
used among Freemasons with two very different significations. (1) When
addressed as an inquiry to a visiting Brother it has the same import as that
in which it is used under like circumstances by mariners. Thus:
"Whence do you hail?" that is, "Of what Lodge are you a
member?" Used in this sense, it comes from the Saxon term of
salutation hael, and should be spelled hail. (2) Its
second use is confined to what Freemasons understand by the tie, and in
this sense it signifies to conceal, being derived from the Saxon word helan,
to hide, the e being pronounced in Anglo-Saxon as a in the
word fate. By the rules of etymology, it should be written hale,
but is usually spelled hele.
Hallmark
The official
mark of the English Goldsmiths' Company used on articles of gold and silver to
indicate their genuineness. There are several publications that list the
complete sets of marks. EXAMPLE
and ILLUSTRATION
Hand
In
Freemasonry, the hand holds an important place in its symbolisms because it is
the principal seat of the sense of feeling, which is so necessary in many of
the symbols of the Order. Any Mason who has experienced the necessity of
recognizing a brother under unusual conditions recognizes the value of the
hand in Masonic communications.
Harodim
This is the
Hebrew term employed in designating overseer Masons employed by Solomon in the
building of the Temple. A group of either 3,300 or 3,600 constituted
those so designated, with the distinct idea of "Princes in Masonry." It
is in this symbolism that the term is used among Masons. 2 Chron. 2:2,18 - 1
Kings 5:16
Hat
In the western
world the nations uncover their head as a sign of respect when they enter a place of worship; the
eastern uncover their feet. To keep the head covered while all around
stands uncovered is a token of superiority and rank of office, the badge of
his authority. To uncover the head in the presence of superiors is a mark
of respect and reverence; it is equally a mark of superior rank in office not
to uncover the head. For this reason the Worshipful Master removes his
hat during prayer in the lodge room. Exo. 3:5 - Josh. 5:15
Heal
What is one of
the prerogative rights of a Grand Master? Any person made a Mason
irregular and desiring to correct the mistake will have to be
"Healed" by the Grand Master of that jurisdiction before he will be
permitted to petition a regular Lodge for reinitiation.
Isa. 6:10
Hearing
One of the five
senses, and an important symbol in Freemasonry, because it is through it we
receive instruction when ignorant, admonition when in danger, reproof when in
error, and the claim of a Brother who is in distress. Without this
sense, the Freemason would be crippled in the performance of all his duties;
and hence deafness is deemed a disqualification for initiation. Note:
In recent years, Grand Masters have granted dispensations in many
jurisdictions to those hearing impaired candidates who have shown the ability
to communicate by lip-reading and hand-signing. Modifications in the
ritual are made so the hearing impaired candidate is not blindfolded at the
several stations and at the altar. This is another example proving
that Freemasonry can change to meet the needs of a changing world.
Heaven
Symbolically speaking, Heaven is the Foreign
Country into which the Master Mason seeks to enter, in search of wages.
Heaven, the higher state of existence after death, is the Foreign
Country. 2 Tim. 4:18 - Psalms 11:4 -
Matt. 25.34
Hecatomb
What is the
meaning of the word Hecatomb? In ancient times men's wealth was in their
flocks, and when a person wanted to do a favor in the sight of the Lord, they
burned on the altars of sacrifice a number of animals, and it is understood
that the word Hecatomb is intended to convey to the Masonic student that, one
hundred head of cattle were offered up as a sacrifice to Diety. Usually
the body of the animal was offered up with the exception of the front
quarters, which was eaten by the worshippers. 1 Kings 8:63
Heroine of Jericho
This is the
name of an honorary or side Degree conferred on Royal Arch Masons, their
wives, and daughters. It is intended to instruct its female recipients
of the claims which they have upon the fellow-members of the Fraternity for
protection, and to provide effective means of proving their connections with
members of the Order. The ritual is based upon the story of Rahab, the
woman of Jericho. Males who receive the Degree are called "Knights of
Jericho." Josh.
2:1-24 - Josh. 6:22-25 - Heb. 11:31
He
Shall Rise Up At The Voice Of The Bird
Has allusion to the infirmities of old age, when
man rises in the morning at the call of the bird. Eccles. 12:4
Height of the Lodge
"The height
of the Lodge is from the earth to the highest heaven" and is a symbolic
expression indicating the unlimited the unlimited expanse of a Mason's
privileges and obligations.
High
Priest
The presiding
officer of a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons according to the American
system. His title is "Most Excellent," and he represents
Joshua or Jeshua, who was the son of Josedech, and the High Priest of the
Jews. He wears a robe of blue, purple, scarlet, and white linen, and is
decorated with a breastplate and miter. On the front of the miter is
inscribed the words, "Holiness to the Lord." EXAMPLE
Hills and Valleys
In ancient
Israel, and even among many people today, places of worship were placed on
high elevations, or on tops of hills. The "hill-top" or "mountain-top"
symbolizes holiness unto the Lord.
Traditionally ancient
Masons met "on the highest hills and in the lowest vales" to ensure privacy.
In an attempt to continue that tradition, Masonic Lodges have sought out
unique places to hold special communications. Two such meetings in particular
seem to be the record holders in this regard.
On April 10, 1936, the Brothers of Winnedumah Lodge 287 of Bishop, California,
held a meeting near the lowest point in the United States in Death Valley
National Park. Members of 50 Lodges from 10 surrounding states joined the
gathering at 270 feet below sea level.
On the other side of the spectrum, in 1910, Cascade Lodge 5 of Banff, Alberta,
Canada met west of Calgary near the summit of Mt. Aylmer. Held at an elevation
of 3161 meters or 10,371 feet, 18 Lodge members and 13 visitors attended.
Hiram
Abif
When
King
Solomon was about to build a temple to Jehovah, the difficulty of obtaining
skillful workmen to superintend and to execute the architectural part of the
undertaking was such, that he found it necessary to request of his friend and
ally, Hiram, King of Tyre, the use of some of his most able builders; for the
Tyrians and Sidonians were celebrated artists, and at that time were admitted
to be the best mechanics in the world. Hiram willing complied with his
request, and dispatched to his assistance an abundance of men and materials,
to be employed in the construction of the Temple, and among the former, a
distinguished artist, to whom was given the superintendence of all the
workmen, both Jews and Tyrians, and who was in possession of all the skill and
learning that were required to carry out, in the most efficient manner, all
the plans and designs of the King of Israel. Of this artist, whom
Freemasons recognize sometimes as Hiram the Builder, sometimes as the Widow's
Son, but more commonly as Hiram Abif, the earliest account is found in the
First Book of Kings 7:13-14, where the passage reads as follow:
"And King Solomon sent and fetched Hiram out of Tyre. He was a
widow's son of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a
worker in brass, and he was filled with wisdom and understanding, and cunning
to work all works in brass. And he came to King Solomon and wrought all
his work." Also see 2 Chr. 2:13-14 - 2 Chr.
4:16 Most or all of the legend of Hiram Abif is made up. He
is supposed to have died seven years after starting work on the Temple.
The legend is one of the "secrets" of Freemasonry, which most Masons will do
their best to avoid recounting. It is, however, well documented, as
follows:
Every noon - High Twelve, in Masonic parlance - Hiram Abif went into the
temple to pray. Three Fellow-Craftsmen, not yet Master Masons,
determined to wait for him as he came out and to force him to give them the
secret word of recognition of the Master Mason. Their names were Jubela,
Jubelo, and Jubelum. These are the Ruffians of Masonic tradition.
Jubela was waiting at the south gate, where the Master went first. When
Abif refused to divulge the word, Jubela struck him in the throat with a
24-inch rule. The Master hastened for the west gate, where Jubelo
demanded the word; when it was refused, Abif was struck on the chest with
Jubelo's square. Finally, at the east gate, a blow between the eyes from
Jubelum's setting maul completed the job. Abif fell dead, still having
refused to disclose the word - or, as Freemasons have it, the Word or the
Word. The murderers buried their victim over the brow of Mount
Moriah and placed a sprig of acacia on the grave. The murderers were
rapidly discovered (before the body was found!) as they tried to escape to
Ethiopia. A search party went out by no less a person than King Solomon
(in Masonic tradition, a chum of the builder) soon found the grave, marked by
the evergreen sprig. Then, after the Entered Apprentices and the
Fellow-Craftsmen had fail to resurrect their Master, he was raised by the
Master Mason with the "strong grip of a lion's paw."
Hiram, King of Tyre
Hiram was one
of the most noted of all the Kings of Tyre; he was contemporaneous with both
David and Solomon, and on intimate terms with both. Like Solomon, he was
much disposed to mysticism; tradition has it that the two kings often
exchanged enigmas for solution. In legendary Masonry,
Hiram, King of Tyre, was Grand Master of all Masons, and
Hiram Abif was Master of the Order
in Jerusalem. Viewing the Temple after its completion he recognized the
preeminence of the Great Architect of the universe in its perfections, and
yielded the supremacy in Masonry to Solomon Jedediah as the representative of
Jehovah. In the symbolic supports of Masonry he represented the pillar
of strength, because, "by his power and wealth he assisted the great
undertaking." Legendary Masonry represents him as frequently visiting
Jerusalem for consultations with Solomon and the chief architect Hiram Abif
during the construction of the Temple. Formed friendly alliance with
David... 2 Sam. 5:11 - Supported Solomon in the building of the Temple...
1 Kings 5:1-11 -
Supplied workmen and material for the
construction
of the Temple... 1 Kings
9:26-28 - 2 Chr. 2:3-16 -
Refused 20 cities offered to him by King Solomon...
1 Kings 9:10-12 - 2 Chr.
8:1,2
Holy Name
Freemasonry
reverences all the titled by which God is known, and he is reverently called
the "Holy Name," just as the term "Ineffable Name" is often used. Much
of the Masonic ritual is borrowed from the Hebrew mysteries, and Hebrew
designations for Deity are used. Requirements for honoring at all times
the name of God... Lev.
22:2 - Matt. 6:9
Holy of Holies
- See Special article on the Temple.
Holy Place
-
See Special article on the Temple.
Hoodwink
What is the
symbolism of the hoodwink? It is a symbol of secrecy, darkness, and
silence. It is a mystical darkness in which the mysteries of our art
should be preserved from the unhallowed gaze of the profane. Gen. 3:5
It is supposed to have a symbolic reference to the passage in Saint John's
Gospel 1:5, "And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness
comprehended it not." But it is more certain that there is in the
hoodwink a representation of the mystical darkness which always preceded the
rites of the ancient initiations.
Hope
The second round
in the theological and Masonic ladder, and symbolic of a
hope in
immortality. It is appropriately placed there, for, having attained
the first, or faith in God, we are led by a belief in His wisdom
and goodness to the hope of immortality. This is but a reasonable
expectation; without it, virtue would lose its necessary stimulus and vice its
salutary fear; life would be devoid of joy, and the grave but a scene of
desolation. The ancients represented Hope by a nymph or maiden holding
in her hand a bouquet of opening flowers, indicative of the coming fruit; but
in modern and Masonic iconology, the science of Craft illustrations and
likenesses, it is represented by a virgin leaning on an anchor, the anchor
itself being a symbol of hope. EXAMPLE
Horn
An organic
thermoplastic material that can be heat-shaped. Pressed horn artifacts are
made from ground horn compressed into molds. Superseded and reproduced
by celluloid.
Horns
of the Altar
In the Jewish
Temple, the altars of burnt-offering and of incense had each at the four
corners four horns of shittim wood. Among the Jews, as well as all other
ancient peoples, the altar was considered peculiarly holy and privileged; and
hence, when a criminal, fleeing, took hold of these horns, he found an asylum
and safety. As a Masonic altar is a representation of the altar of the
Solomonic member, it should be constructed with these horns; and Cross has
very properly represented it in his Hieroglyphic Chart. EXAMPLE
Hospitality
This virtue has
always been highly esteemed among Freemasons. Nothing is more usual in
diplomas or certificates than to recommend the bearer "to the hospitality
of all the Brethren where-so-ever dispersed over the globe"; a
recommendation that is seldom disregarded. All of the old Constitutions
detail the practice of hospitality, as one of the duties of the Craft, in
language like this: "Every Mason shall receive and cherish strange
fellowes when they come over the countreye."
Hourglass
The
hourglass
is an emblem of human life. Behold! how swiftly the sands run, and how
rapidly our lives are drawing to a close! We cannot without astonishment
behold the little particles which are contained in this machine; -- how they
pass away almost imperceptibly! and yet, to our surprise, in a short space of
an hour they are all exhausted. Thus wastes man! To-day, he
puts forth the tender leaves of hope; to-morrow, blossoms, and bears his
blushing honors thick upon him; the next day comes a frost which nips the
shoot; and when he thinks his greatness is still aspiring, he falls, like
autumn leaves, to enrich our mother earth. As
a Masonic symbol it is of comparatively modern date, but the use of the
hour-glass as an emblem of the passage of time is older than our oldest
rituals. Thus, in a speech before Parliament, in 1627, it is said:
"We may handle and play with the hour-glass: that is in our power, but
the hour will not stay for us; and an opportunity once lost cannot be
regained." We are told that in the early part of the last century
it was a custom to inter an hour-glass with the dead, as an emblem of the
sands of life being run out. EXAMPLE
House Not
Made With Hands
This expression comprehends the
eternal dwelling place of God, and the resurrected and glorified body of the
redeemed in the life beyond the grave... John 14:1-3 -
2 Cor. 5:1-4 - 1 Peter 2:1-8
Humility
The ritual of Freemasonry teaches
that all members should maintain freedom from pride and arrogance. The
first step toward acquisition of truth is humility of mind, a sense of
personal ignorance, and a desire for knowledge...
Prov. 16:19 -
Prov. 18:12 - Luke 14:2 - Luke 18:13,14 - Rom. 12:3-8
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