Masonic Aprons in the United Grand Lodge of England and its Districts

Masonic aprons within the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) and its Districts denote a member's rank and office. Here's a breakdown of the different types of aprons:

Craft Lodge Aprons

These aprons are worn by members in the three Craft degrees:

• Entered Apprentice: A plain white lambskin apron, symbolizing purity and innocence.
• Fellow Craft: A white lambskin apron with two sky-blue rosettes.
• Master Mason: A white lambskin apron with a sky-blue ribbon border, two vertical sky-blue ribbons, and a sky-blue rosette on the triangular flap. Seven metal tassels are attached to each vertical ribbon.

Lodge Officer Aprons

These aprons are similar to the Master Mason apron but often include additional symbols specific to the office held. The border and emblems are typically light blue or silver. Examples include aprons for the Deacons, Wardens, Secretary, Treasurer, Chaplain, and Inner Guard, each potentially featuring unique symbolic devices.

• Worshipful Master: Often features levels or other specific emblems in silver, replacing the rosettes.
• Past Master: Typically has silver levels (representing equality) instead of rosettes.

District Officer Aprons

District officers wear aprons that distinguish their rank within the District. These aprons generally have a dark blue border and silver emblems of their office.

• District Grand Master: A more elaborate apron with wider dark blue borders and often gold or silver embroidery.
• Deputy District Grand Master: Similar to the District Grand Master but with distinguishing marks.
• Assistant District Grand Master: Again, similar in style with specific differences.
• Other District officers (e.g., District Grand Secretary, District Grand Treasurer, District Grand Chaplain, District Grand Director of Ceremonies) have aprons with dark blue borders and emblems relevant to their roles, often in silver.

Grand Lodge Officer Aprons

Grand Lodge officers wear the most ornate aprons, typically featuring dark blue borders and gold embroidery and embellishments.

• Grand Master: The most elaborate apron, often made of high-quality materials with extensive gold embroidery.
• Pro Grand Master: Similar to the Grand Master's apron in design and ornamentation.
• Deputy Grand Master: A very ornate apron with wide dark blue and gold borders and specific emblems.
• Assistant Grand Masters: Also highly decorated with dark blue and gold.
• Other Grand officers (e.g., Grand Wardens, Grand Secretary, Grand Treasurer, Grand Chaplain, Grand Director of Ceremonies) have aprons with dark blue and gold designs indicative of their office. These often include specific symbolic devices embroidered in gold.
• Grand Stewards: Distinctively wear crimson aprons.

Notes on Variations

• Dress vs. Undress: Some ranks, particularly at the Provincial/District and Grand Lodge levels, may have "dress" aprons with more elaborate gold trim and "undress" aprons for regular lodge meetings that are plainer.
• Past Ranks: Past District and Grand Officers often wear aprons similar to their active counterparts but with subtle differences, such as the addition of "Past Rank" jewels or different colored emblems in some instances.

The specific designs and emblems can vary slightly depending on the specific District within the United Grand Lodge of England, but the general color schemes and symbolic representations remain consistent. These aprons are a visual representation of a Mason's journey and service within the Craft.