A Mason???

[beloitpiper]

Freemasonery is Scottish. Masons are associated with a lot of Scottish icons. Pipe bands, Tartan Balls, Burns Suppers, etc.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Freemasonery is Scottish. Masons are associated with a lot of Scottish icons. Pipe bands, Tartan Balls, Burns Suppers, etc.

I just wanted to clarify that Freemasonry is not particularly Scottish. It actually had its origin in England.

A lot of Scottish symbols have been adopted by Freemasonry, I assume because one of the higher degree systems is called the Scottish Rite. The other common one is the York Rite. But neither actually originated in the places they are named for. In fact, if I am not mistaken, they were developed in France, where I think most of the "higher degrees" of Masonry (most of which aren't around any longer) came from, once it was transplanted from England.

But I've encountered the same thing you have, Rex -- people thinking that just because I am Scottish (or in a kilt) that I am either a Mason or at least had an interest in Masonry. In fact, I had an older gentleman try and get me to come to his Lodge meetings and when I told him I wasn't interested, said something like, "Why not? Aren't you Scottish?"

I'm convinced that the reason he (and many others) intrinsicly link Freemasonry and Scotland together is just because of the name of the Scottish Rite.