Egyptian Rites Masonic regalia
The so-called Egyptian Masonic Rites appeared at the end of the 18th century, fueled by the Egyptomania that was widespread among Freemasons, and which was later exacerbated by Napoleon's Egyptian Campaign. The Ancient and Primitive Rite of Memphis-Misraïm is currently the main representative of this trend.
Craft Lodges of the Ancient and Primitive Rite of Memphis-Misraïm
The origins of this Rite lie in the 1881 merger in Italy of two older Egyptian Rites, the Rite of Misraïm (1805, not 1788, as Robert Ambelain claimed) and the Rite of Memphis (1838). But in the form we know it today, with its turquoise-blue masonic regalia edged in violet, this Rite dates back to Robert Ambelain's complete overhaul of the rituals of the craft degrees in the 1960s.
The Masonic regalia for the craft degrees of the Misraïm Rite were similar to those of the French Rite (sky-blue), worn on a white ceremonial robe. As for the Memphis Rite, the blue cordon was the same as in the French Rite, but the apron was edged in red, as in the REAA, all worn over a sky-blue robe, over which the Masters donned a black coat.
The Masonic regalia for the craft degrees of the Ancient and Primitive Rite of Memphis-Misraïm are currently :
Entered Apprentice : white masonic gloves and white masonic apron. Apprentices wear their apron bibs raised.
Fellowcraft : white masonic gloves and folded-down white masonic apron. A variant of the apron is available, with a thin purple border and the Blazing Star on the bib.
Master Mason : white gloves and white apron edged with a turquoise-blue ribbon edged in violet. The apron can be symbolically decorated in two ways: with the letters M B in the Masonic alphabet, or with three turquoise-blue rosettes arranged in a triangle. The lining is black, with a white funereal pattern. Masters also wear a turquoise-blue sash, edged in purple, with a red rosette at the tip and sometimes adorned with the Square and Compass.
Lodge Officers: turquoise blue collar edged in violet, with embroidery representing the jewel of the corresponding Office.
Worshipful Master: turquoise blue collar edged in violet, decorated with a Grand Glory with the letter G. The Masonic apron of the Worshipful Master is an ordinary Master Mason's apron. However, there is a variant with three inverted Taus arranged in a triangle. This Anglo-Saxon custom refers to the Secret Ceremony of Installation Master, which, although it does not belong to the Memphis-Misraïm Rite, has been adopted there by imitation of other Rites.
On Nos Colonnes, you will find the Masonic regalia (Aprons, Sashes, Collars, Collar Jewels, Hats) of the craft degrees of the Ancient and Primitive Rite of Memphis-Misraïm.
Craft Lodges of the Order of the United Rites of Memphis and Misraïm (ORUMM)
Another variant is practised by the Order of the United Rites of Memphis and Misraïm, a Masonic Order which uses exclusively the rituals approved and published by the Sovereign Sanctuary of the United Rites, in the direct lineage of the Grand Hierophants Robert Ambelain, Gérard Kloppel and Joseph Castelli.
The Order of the United Rites of Memphis and Misraïm places particular emphasis on spiritual and mystical teachings. Members of the Order are expected to study esoteric knowledge in order to deepen their understanding of themselves and the world around them. The Order of the United Rites of Memphis and Misraim counts lodges in various countries around the world and continues to attract members wishing to explore the deepest aspects of spirituality and self-discovery through the practice of Masonic rituals and teachings.
The Masonic regalia for the craft degrees of the Order of the United Rites of Memphis and Misraïm are :
Entered Apprentice: white Masonic gloves and white Masonic apron. Apprentices wear the bib of the apron raised.
Fellowcraft: white Masonic gloves and white Masonic apron folded down. There are two versions of the apron, one with a thin purple border and the Blazing Star on the bib, the other with a wider white border, which also has the Blazing Star on the bib.
Master Mason : white gloves and white apron edged with a purple ribbon edged in gold, decorated with the purple letters M B. The lining is black, with a white funereal pattern. Masters also wear a purple sash, with a red rosette at the tip, which may be adorned with the Square and Compass or other symbols.
Lodge Officers : a purple collar edged in gold, sometimes with embroidery representing the jewel of the corresponding Office. It is lined in black, with a white funereal pattern.
Worshipful Master: violet collar, decorated with a Grand Glory and the letter G. The apron bears the three inverted Taus arranged in a triangle. This Anglo-Saxon custom refers to the Secret Ceremony of the Installed Master, which, although it does not belong to the Memphis-Misraïm Rite, has been adopted there by imitation of other Rites. The Past Worshipful Master bears the same regalia, but decorated with a fringe of gold.
On Nos Colonnes, you will find all the Masonic regalia (Aprons, Sashes, Collars, Collar Jewels, Hats) used in the craft degrees of the Order of the United Rites of Memphis and Misraïm.
