Overview & Ritual Context in British Freemasonry
The evergreen Sprig of Acacia (shittim wood of the Middle East) is the pre-eminent emblem of the Third Degree (Master Mason), symbolising the immortality of the soul, innocence, and the enduring memory of fidelity.
Primary Historical & Ritual Citations
- Exodus 25:10 (The Ark of the Covenant crafted from acacia / shittim wood).
- William Preston, Illustrations of Masonry (1772): Masonic funeral service and Third Degree lecture.
Role in the Master Mason Ceremony and Masonic Funerals
In the allegorical drama of the Third Degree, a sprig of evergreen acacia marks the temporary resting place of the Chief Architect at Mount Moriah. Because the acacia tree remains green across the desert seasons and its wood resists decay, Freemasons wear or cast a sprig of acacia at Masonic memorial services as an emblem of hope that the spiritual part within us survives the grave.
Connected Masonic Orders & Degrees
Craft Freemasonry
Craft Freemasonry (often referred to as Blue Lodge Masonry) forms the foundation of all Masonic membership in the United Kingdom, comprising the three ceremonies of Entered Apprentice (First Degree), Fellowcraft (Second Degree), and Master Mason (Third Degree).
Interconnected Symbols in the Masonic Knowledge Graph
Working Tools of Each Degree
Speculative Freemasonry teaches moral philosophy by taking the physical iron and wooden implements of medieval cathedral stonemasons ('Operative Masons') and assigning an ethical meaning to each tool across the three Craft Degrees.
Masonic Tracing Boards
Unique in their richness to British and Commonwealth Freemasonry, Tracing Boards are painted architectural and symbolic canvases displayed in the Lodge room during each of the three Craft Degrees to illustrate the historical lectures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sprig of Acacia
Why do Freemasons wear an acacia lapel pin at funerals?
A discreet gold or green enamel sprig of acacia lapel pin is worn by Brethren at funerals and memorial services to express fraternal sympathy and belief in the immortality of the soul.