What is an acceptable tattoo design for a non-Freemason member?

by Danielle
(Mass)

My grandfather recently passed away & he was a former District Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Masons in Mass. He was a proud member & I wanted to get a tattoo in recognition of his service & in memory of him, but I don't want to disgrace him by getting something non-Masons are not supposed to get. Could you lead me in the right direction?

Comments for What is an acceptable tattoo design for a non-Freemason member?

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Feb 28, 2015
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starstarstar 		No law against it
by: Lant

Dear Danielle,

I can be gentle or I can be honest - let's go with honest.

Freemasons have no copyright or patent on Masonic symbols and we could not stop you from doing this. On the other hand, I don't think many Masons would think it appropriate for anyone not a Mason to display Masonic symbols, no matter how honest and respectful the motive.

I sincerely applaud your clear affection for your grandfather, but perhaps there is another way for you to honour his memory?

Sorry if that isn't the answer you wanted. Best wishes.
Mar 01, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		tattoo
by: Fred

Lant is correct. The symbols of Freemasonry are earned, and are a symbol of membership in the fraternity. As women can. It become Freemasons, in the United States, a masonic tattoo would be considered unacceptable for a woman to have, some Freemasons might consider such an insult to the fraternity. I am sorry to be do blunt, but honesty is best. There is no easy answer, and you must do what you think is best. You might consider a piece of jewelry, a ring on a chain worn as a necklace, there IS a masons lady ring available on eBay, it's a Square and Compass with a rose. Generally used for a wife, but could be used as your tribute. I hope this helps
Mar 01, 2015
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starstarstar 		Ask...
by: Anonymous

Express your admiration for your Grandfather by speaking to his Lodge Brothers. You may find yourself encouraged to follow in his footsteps.

That would be a great way to honour him. Part of Freemasonry is earning the rights and privileges of each degree.
Mar 01, 2015
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starstarstar 		Can't hurt to ask...
by: Larry

In some Masonic jurisdictions it is considered appropriate for the wife of a Mason to display the Square & Compasses symbol. It's not inconceivable that this courtesy might be extended to a loving and respectful granddaughter.

I'd suggest talking with Brethren from your Grandpa's lodge. Maybe they can help. Can't hurt to ask.

Oh, and thank you for doing us the courtesy of asking the question. We do appreciate it.
Mar 02, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		Thank you
by: Danielle

Thank you all got your answers. I will take your suggestions & try & talk to his fellow brothers. I appreciate you taking the time to answer me. Good luck in all you guys do.
Mar 02, 2015
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starstarstarstar 		Good luck
by: Tim

You are most welcome Danielle. Whether you get the tattoo or not, I believe your Grandfather would be pleased by your desire to honor him. If you do get the tattoo we'd love to see it on our Masonic Tattoo page.

Thanks again, and please come back to see us sometime.

Best regards,

Tim
Mar 03, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		Absolutely
by: Danielle

Tim, I will absolutely post it if I do get it. I did recently get "grampy" tattooed on me with 3 playing cards (his other love was playing card game). Again thank you for responding.
Aug 17, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		Tattoo
by: Anonymous

I have the twin pillars tattooed on my forearms. Will this disqualify me to petition a lodge?I love tattoos and was curious to ask.
Aug 22, 2016
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starstarstar 		Masonic qualifications...
by: Tim

No, your tattoo will not disqualify you for membership. We accept good men who sincerely wish to better themselves and be of service to their community and mankind. It is the internal, and not the external, that recommends a man for Freemasonry. If you are such a man you will be welcomed.
Aug 22, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		Appreciation
by: Anonymous

Thanks for your reply.I hope I'm accepted.
Oct 12, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		Tattoos
by: Anonymous

I'm am very nervous.I have an inquisitory meeting coming up and no one has seen my tattoos.I usually wear a suit when visiting the lodge I have petitioned.I have two pillars (jachin and boaz) on my arms along with some zodiac signs that are mine and my fiances signs.Will this be offensive if I expose them.Sooner or later I will have to.
Oct 14, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		Symbolism of Jachin and Boaz
by: Tim

Hello Anonymous,

You mean the two pillars described in the Holy Bible as being situated in the porch of the temple of King Solomon? Why would anyone find tattoos of such offensive? One interpretation of the pillars, and one that I particularly like, is that they denote the twin qualities of endurance and continuity. These are qualities that we should all strive toward and are certainly not limited to Freemasonry. In my opinion your tattoos will not be an issue.

Congratulations on your decision to seek membership in the Masonic fraternity. I wish you the very best.

Thanks for your question and for visiting Masonsmart.

Fraternally,

Tim
Jul 22, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		Honor 4 special men in my life
by: Anonymous

Good Evening Tim,

My dad, my, unck, my best friend from high school and his father. They are all members and 3 of them have passed away. Mason means and met so much to them and I thought about getting a tattoo of the symbol and adding all 4 of their names with it but I can see how it would just not be right. Any suggestions what I can do to honor all 4 of this men? They all hold a special place in my heart.

Thank you,

Anonymous
Aug 02, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		Re: Honor 4 special men in my life
by: Tim

Dear Anonymous,
thank you for visiting Masonsmart and please accept my apology for the delay of this response.

I commend you on your wish to honor these four Brothers. I'm sure he will and they would be pleased.

There is one thing that I would suggest and I don't think anyone would object to. The image of a forget-me-not flower in bloom was adopted as a Masonic emblem by the United Grand Lodge of Germany AF&AM in 1948. While it was adopted as a Masonic emblem, it is not strictly Masonic and I don't believe anyone could object to your wearing it. In my opinion it also makes a great statement in honoring those you wish to remember. You can read more about The Legend of the Forget-Me-Not at the address below:

http://www.masonsmart.com/Masonic_News__Views-forget-me-not.html

I hope this helps. Thanks again for visiting and please let us know what you decide to do. Perhaps you could share a pic on our "Masonic Tattoo" page at this address:

http://www.masonsmart.com/masonic-tattoo.html

Best fraternal regards and please come again.

Tim
Oct 31, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		Tattoo
by: Anonymous

My grandad was a stonemason
And i got tattoo of square and compass ..i had it 10 years now
Jan 27, 2018
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starstarstarstarstar 		Blue Slipper
by: David

There is one symbol that you might consider. It was traditionally worn by women as a pin....a blue slipper. You can find many images online.
Jan 27, 2018
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starstarstarstarstar 		Blue Slipper Info
by: David

The Blue Slipper
Courtesy of TheMasonicTrowel.com


The Blue Slipper Pin Identified Masonry's Loved Ones

The Masonic slipper pin is a small lapel pin in the shape of a blue slipper. Many wives, daughters and widows wear one of these slippers on a coat or dress when traveling alone. For many years this pin has served to identify loved ones of Masons to other members of the craft. The origin of this symbol comes from the book of Ruth and is as follows:

"Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbor: and this was a testimony in Israel. So the kinsman drew off his shoe and gave it to Boaz. Boaz held it up for all in the gate to see. He asked them to be witnesses that he became Naomi's protector, Ruth's husband, and a redeemer of Elimelech's property."

Thus, today we have the little blue slipper as an emblem of the protective influence of Masons for their wives, daughters and widows.
Jan 03, 2019
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starstarstarstarstar 		Dad
by: Anonymous

My Dad was a proud Mason.( I am not an eastern star). So you are telling me that it is disrespectful to have his name and date of death with a Mason symbol after it is disrespectful?! To me it represents who my Dad was and his life. I would like to know why this would be a bad thing. I am NOT portray that i am a Mason, but that my father was! And the love and respect i had for him. Plz respond. Thsnk you.
Aug 17, 2021
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starstarstarstarstar 		Dad
by: Fred

Good morning,
I apologize for the delay in answering this post, but I just read it.

No one is telling you that you can’t get whatever tattoo you want. Tattoos are personal. What’s being said is that many masons will look on it as something that only a master Mason should be displaying. The Square and compasses, as normally seen is the symbol of a master Mason, and shows that the person displaying it has earned the "right" to display it. It’s like wearing a sweatshirt from a college or better yet a national fraternity m, without have attended the school or having pledged the fraternity. No one will stop you, but if "challenged," questioned about it, you will not be able to prove validity. It’s no big deal, it just is. There are many masonic affiliated symbols, like the blue slipper, that are associated with masonry, that are recognized, as family, abd you might want to look into those.

I hope this helps

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