Know some supposed secrets of Freemasonry

It will say that you have never been curious about Freemasonry! Although it is not a secret society - as we have already explained here in Mega Curioso in another matter - it is undeniable that the organization has always been shrouded in secrets and much mystery. As far as we know, traditions are passed down from generation to generation, and although some symbols and rites are known, it is complicated to determine what is still practiced or not by the members.

And it is precisely because of such secrecy that there is controversy and speculation about the practices of Freemasonry. With that in mind, the people at ListVerse decided to reveal a series of supposed secrets of this organization in an interesting article, and we selected five of them to let you know.

It is noteworthy that we do not know whether the following secrets remain in practice or not, or whether they are true, but they serve to fuel our imagination about what might happen during Masonic meetings. Check out:

1 - Freemasons have greetings and secret words

According to ListVerse people, although many members deny it, there is at least one secret Masonic greeting, as well as several words used as "password." In some cases, the words are used during ceremonies, while others have a specific purpose and are used by other members of the organization to mobilize and come to the aid of those in distress.

2 - Freemasons are powerful

It is estimated that there are an estimated six million Masons worldwide, and according to Nigel Brown, Great Secretary of the United Grand Lodge of England, there are approximately 250, 000 members in the country alone. Historically, in addition to many nobles and illustrious characters - such as Winston Churchill and writer Arthur Conan Doyle, for example - at least five British monarchs were part of the order.

Many members of the organization are currently involved in the politics and economics of the United Kingdom, and the same can be said of Masons in other countries. Therefore, it is not surprising that rumors circulate that these powerful men work to control government and finances - and that they often cover their tracks associated with corruption.

3 - Freemasons do not testify against each other

Many things have probably changed throughout history, but they say that, at least in the past, Freemasons did not testify against other members of the order during court proceedings. Although this attitude was defined as perjury - that is, the act of taking a false oath or violating it - the Freemasons believed that betraying a fellow organization was unforgivable.

4 - Masonic Symbol on Dollar Bill

If you look closely at a dollar bill, you will notice that on one side of the note is a Masonic symbol: the all-seeing eye on a pyramid, accompanied by the motto “ novus ordo seclorum ” - or “new world order” in free translation.

For it is said that the decision to include such a symbolic design had nothing to do with any influence on the part of the Freemasons, although Benjamin Franklin - who was part of the committee responsible for creating the note - was a member of the organization. Was it a case of pure coincidence?

5 - The initiation ritual and the gallows

Strange as it may seem, during the initiation ritual, the new member of the organization has a gallows attached to his neck. According to the Freemasons, it is a beautiful and unintimidating gesture, and the rope with this specific knot is intended to symbolize the umbilical cord. However, it must be quite frightening to have the experience of having a gallows hanging around your throat, don't you think?

* Posted on 12/1/2014