Origins of freemasonry
The origins of Freemasonry can be traced back to the stonemason trade guilds of the Middle Ages, known as the Incorporated Trades or Crafts. These guilds held Royal charters, or ‘Seals of Cause,’ which allowed them to work exclusively within the Royal Burghs in the Middle Ages. The term “incorporated” refers to the fact that these craft organizations were granted these charters. The earliest use of the term “Freemason” dates back to around 1390, but it initially referred purely to operative members. However, during the 17th century, there was a shift in Scotland where more nonoperative members began joining the old trade institutions. This transition marked the formalization of Freemasonry as it is known today. Over the centuries, Freemasonry expanded across Europe and the Americas, leading to the establishment of lodges globally. The original Masonic guilds were ‘operative,’ focused on the craft of stonemasonry, while modern Masons are ‘allegorical,’ with rituals and ceremonies being symbolic. This transition from operative to allegorical Masonry represents the link between the historical Masonic guilds and modern Freemasonry.