MASONIC HUMOR. Vermont Lodge of Research

Transcription

1 MASONIC HUMOR Vermont Lodge of Research September April 22, 16,

2 What is Humor? The stimulation that brings Laughter is called Humor The Oxford Universal English Dictionary defines humor as "the faculty of perceiving what is ludicrous or amusing. It is one of those heaven-sent gifts which releases strain and pent-up feelings; creates a sense of ease and pleasantry; breaks down barriers and establishes a "common denominator."

3 General Rules for Humor Something Humorous does not necessarily amuse everyone. Each Society or Culture may have its own notion what is Humorous. Values and Morals also effect one s view of Humor. Therefore, Humor will depend on the individual and his ability to relate to the Joke or Story.

4 Masonic Humor We are concerned primarily with Masonic Humor or, more correctly, Humor suitable for Masonic occasions. "Sexy" or Dirty jokes have no place in Freemasonry, nor do narratives which even border on the risqué. Politics, as a general rule, should also be avoided. Religious stories are dangerous unless handled with considerable discretion. Men of many religions meet on common ground in the rich fellowship of Freemasonry. One may unintentionally hurt the feelings of some Brother of a different religious persuasion. But don't interpret this as a taboo on good, clean thrust-and-parry between representatives of different denominations, which is the very soul of the spirit of Freemasonry.

5 Taking Humor In Appeals to Two of the Senses HEARING SEEING

6 Types of Humor Verbal Visual Combination Joke Witticism Pun Riddle Limerick Story Cartoon Picture Slapstick Caricature Farce Clowns Play Movie Game Performance Practical Joke Lecture

7 Reasons for Humor Indifference Curiosity Ignorance Jealousy Suspicion Fear Inside Knowledge Admiration Trust Love

8 Verbal Subjects of Humor Education Profession Secrets Religion Favoritism Brother To Brother Spouse Inside Looking Out Outside Looking In Inside Lodge Classic

9 Song Shriners Convention By Ray Stevens Ray Stevens Greatest Hits 1987

10 Visual Subjects of Humor

11 Lodge Picture Mount Vernon December 2006

12 Belt Buckle

13 Animal

14 Secrets

15 Play on Words

16 Favoritism

17 Misconceptions

18 Sarcasm

19 Post Cards

20 Leather

21 Patriotic

22 Animals 1

23 Animals 2

24 Travelling

25 Pin

26 Member

27 De-Parting on the Square

28 Signs & Grips

29 Grips

30 Signs

31 Password

32 First Degree

33 Initiation

34 Passing

35 Raising

36 Refreshment

37 At Work

38 Secret

39 Secret

40 Secret

41 Secret

42 Secret

43 Secret

44 Secret

45 Riding the Goat Popular belief has often identified Masonic initiation with the riding of a goat. The goat has been both a positive and negative symbol throughout history. First mentioned with the Odd Fellows, then linked to Secret Societies in general. First applied to Masonic initiation in the 1840s, by century's end the expression was a popular addition to Masonic humor, and a real aspect of other fraternal societies. Albert G. Mackey, in his Encyclopedia of Freemasonry (1873) cites the Rev. Dr. George Oliver in recording a common belief of the early nineteenth century that freemasons practiced some form of witchcraft: "Doctor Oliver says, it was in England a common belief that the Freemasons were accustomed in their Lodges "to raise the Devil." So the riding of the goat, which was believed to be practiced by the witches, was transferred to the Freemasons; and the saying remains to this day, although the belief has long since died out. A few of the more inflammatory pamphlets of the mid-eighteenth century did accuse freemasons of satanic practices, but Mackey fails to provide any documentation for his claim that these were the source of the expression, "riding the goat."

46 Examples of The Goat The anonymously written Free Masonry Exposed (1871) has a humorous account in which a wife demands to know what went on at the lodge. The husband, divulges to his wife, the secrets of Freemasonry, including a ride on a goat during the "Fellow-Calf degree." In Bobby Bumps Starts a Lodge (1914), the candidate doesn't ride a goat, but he wears an apron with a goat's head emblem and is initiated by being butted by a goat. The expression is also known outside of English-speaking Freemasonry. The Afrikaanse of South Africa up to the present time refer to freemasons as "bok ryers" or "goat riders". Outside the literary world, there is also a report from Te Hana, New Zealand, of a simple stonemasons' device, used to move heavy stone blocks, called a goat.

47 Examples of The Goat It is also a curious fact that another North American fraternal society, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, claims to have actually used a goat in its initiation ritual. Prior to 1952, when the blindfolding of candidates was done away with, a range of pranks were played upon incoming members. Reports have it that a widespread practice was for each candidate to ride a live goat around the lodge room.

48 Goat Carts These goat carts, made by DeMoulin Bros., were used by Lodges and Fraternal Groups during initiation ceremonies. An inductee would ride the goat blindfolded while being pushed around the room by Lodge members. The DeMoulin Bros. first product was made in 1892 and quickly became a popular item, especially with Woodmen and Odd Fellow Lodges.

49 Goat

50 Goat

51 Goat

52 Goat

53 Goat

54 Goat

55 Goat

56 Goat

57 Goat

58 Goat

59 Goat

60 Goat

61 Goat

62 Goat

63 Goat

64 Goat

65 Goat

66 Goat

67 Password

68 Password

69 Initiation

70 Goat

71 Goat

72 Goat

73 Goat

74 Goat

75 Goat

76 Goat

77 Goat

78 Degrees

79 Password

80 Password

81 Apprentice

82 Grand Lodge

83 Shrine

84 Shrine

85 Shrine

86 Shrine

87 Shrine

88 Shrine?

89 Jesters

90 Elks

91 Other Groups

92 Final Thought To Have a Good Time!