What Is The Difference Between A Mason And A Shriner

So, I was at this Masonic event the other day, and I found myself in a conversation with a guy who was wearing a fezz. You know, that red, cone-shaped hat that looks like it's straight out of a cartoon. I asked him, "Hey, are you a Shriner?" He laughed, "No, I'm a Mason. Shriners are like the fun, colorful cousins of Masons." I was intrigued. I mean, I'd heard of both, but I couldn't quite tell you what set them apart. So, I thought, why not dive into it and share what I found?

Masons: The Original Boys' Club

Let's start with the Masons. They're like the original boys' club, dating back to the late 16th century. They started as stonemasons and catapulted to fame with their secret handshakes and mysterious symbols. But here's the thing, they're not actually about masonry anymore. They're a fraternal organization, all about personal development, charity, and making the world a better place.

Masons are known for their three degrees of membership: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason. Each degree represents a stage of personal development, and the whole process is filled with symbolism and rituals. It's like a grown-up version of a boy scout badge system, but with more secret handshakes and less knot-tying.

Shriners: The Life of the Party

Now, Shriners, they're a different story. They're a spin-off of sorts, founded in 1870 by a group of Masons who wanted to lighten things up a bit. They're part of a group called the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, or A.A.O.N.M.S. for short. Try saying that three times fast!

Shriners are known for their fezzes, their parades, and their fun-loving nature. They're all about bringing joy and happiness, especially to children. They run a network of 22 burn hospitals and clinics for children, and they're heavily involved in other children's charities. They're like the fun uncle who shows up to the party with a bag full of toys and a loud, honking clown nose.

So, What's the Difference?

Alright, so you might be thinking, "They both sound like secret societies with funny hats. What's the real difference?" Well, here it is:

• Masons are about personal growth, charity, and supporting each other. They have a rich history and a complex system of degrees and rituals. They're like the serious, introspective friend who's always there to lend a helping hand.
• Shriners are about fun, happiness, and bringing joy to children. They're the life of the party, known for their parades and their fezzes. They're like the funny, outgoing friend who always knows how to make people laugh.

Both organizations have their own unique qualities, and both do a lot of good in the world. But at the end of the day, they're like two sides of the same coin. Masons laid the foundation, and Shriners built the playground on top of it.

So, there you have it. The difference between a Mason and a Shriner. I hope this clears things up a bit. Next time you see someone in a fezz, you'll know they're not just there for the fashion statement. They're there to make sure everyone has a good time, especially the kids.

And hey, if you're ever at a Masonic event and you see someone in a fezz, don't be afraid to strike up a conversation. They're usually pretty friendly, and they've got some great stories to tell. Just don't ask them to do the secret handshake. That's between them and their brothers.