Why Freemason Shriners Wear a Fez

Why Freemason Shriners Wear a Fez

Shriners wear a fez as part of their distinctive attire and tradition. The Shriners are a fraternal organization that is associated with Freemasonry. The order is officially known as the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and its members are commonly referred to as Shriners.

The fez is a type of hat that originated in the city of Fez, Morocco, during the 9th century. It is characterized by its flat crown and tassel hanging from the top. The Shriners adopted the fez as part of their attire due to the Orientalist theme of their organization, which is loosely inspired by Middle Eastern aesthetics.

The tradition of wearing a fez likely started in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when the Shriners held their conventions and meetings. The fez became a symbol of the Shriners' commitment to fun, fellowship, and charitable work, as the organization is well-known for its support of the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

It's important to note that the fez is a distinct symbol for Shriners and is not used by all Masonic organizations. Each fraternal group within Freemasonry has its own set of symbols and regalia, and the fez is specific to the Shriners.