Masonic Hats

Do You Have To Wear
A Master's Hat?

Masonic hats worn by the Master of the Lodge signify his authority of his rank and status...the origins of which go back over many centuries.

The wearing of a hat by the Worshipful Master alludes to the crown that adorned the head of King Solomon.

Stetson Fur Felt Hat

In the United States, a Stetson Homburg or Fedora style hat is quite popular and is often chosen by the Master of the lodge. Other hat brands and styles are also worn.

Albert Mackey, Masonic researcher and historian had this to say about Masonic hats in his Revised Encyclopaedia of Freemasonry, 1929:

To uncover the head in the presence of their superiors has been, among Christian nations, held as a dutiful obligation.

Among Eastern nations, it is their custom to uncover their feet when they enter a place of worship.

Kings

Historically, Kings wore crowns to denote their rank, while the courtiers standing around him removed their hats in deference to his superior status.

Ancient Romans

We are told that the ancient Romans prayed with their head covered or veiled.

The woolen cap, called a pileus, was allowed to be worn only by the free-by-birth or manumission (papers with which one is formally released from slavery), but it was forbidden for Roman slaves to wear this cap.

House of Commons - London

Historically, it was customary that a member of the English Parliament, London's House of Commons, wear a hat when he addressed the membership of the House. If he were to have risen to speak without his hat, other members would greet him with cries of "Order, Order"!

France

In France, it was the custom of monks at the Sorbonne, (previously called the University of Paris which was founded in 1257 by Robert de Sorbon) to remove their cap when a member did not wish to speak or was in token of agreement with the others.

(End of Mackey quote from Mackey's Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, 1929)

Masonic Hats: United States:

Today, Masonic hats are worn, ceremonially, in the United States during the time when the lodge is in session. Some Grand Lodges require that the hat be constructed with a brim. Others simply decree that the Worshipful Master remains covered at all times.

Internationally:

In different jurisdictions around the world, it is also common to see many different styles of Masonic hats.

Does the Worshipful Master have to wear a Masonic hat?

Masonic hats are the privilege of the Master of the Lodge, and only his. To remain with his head covered to signify that his is the position to which the greatest respect should be paid.

If in doubt, however, contact your Grand Lodge for more information about your specific jurisdiction.

The Worshipful Master of a Lodge holds the most honored, prestigious and sacredly held chair of office during his term.

The Worshipful Master's position (not the man, himself) is one of the 3 Lesser Lights

The 3 Lesser Lights of a Lodge are the Sun, the Moon and the Worshipful Master.

As the highest ranking officer within the lodge, it is the duty of the man holding this office to preserve the solemnity and respect of this ancient and historic position, symbolic of his duties as one of the Lesser Lights.

While Masonic hats differ within jurisdictions around the world, Masonic hats are a visible symbol of the Master's authority, and as such, should reflect a respectful, classic or traditional style.

Masonic Hat Styles

There are numerous styles of Masonic hats are worn by the Worshipful Masters in different areas of the United States and in various jurisdictions around the world.

There are satin top hats, the satin collapsible folding top hat, felt top hats, men's fedora hats, derbies, bowlers, and many more. Other jurisdictions around the world wear different varieties of Masonic hats, caps and tams.

Many Prince Hall Affiliated Freemasons wear a white top hat, black top hat or white fedora hats.

While most Freemasons are aware that ritual and a few officer duties and Masonic symbols vary somewhat around the world;..."From many, one;...and from one, many."

...A brotherhood of many, ...who speak different languages, who reside possibly half a world away...who each wear different hats...come together as one....within the brotherhood of Freemasonry.