Craft

This term is often used to describe the practice of Freemasonry, e.g. becoming a member of the Scottish Craft.

It refers to the series of degrees practised by lodges operating under the Grand Lodge of Scotland.

Freemasonry originated in Scotland as lodges of stone-masons started to admit gentlemen who were not operative stonemasons.  The use of the term Craft' to describe the system may be said to hark back to this learning of a skill, or craft.

In Anglo-Saxon, craft meant cunning, skill, power, dexterity, etc. The word became applied to trades and occupations calling for trained skill on the part of those practicing it. The distinction between such trades and those not requiring trained workmen, so rigidly maintained, was one of the hallmarks of the Middle Ages.

Freemasonry is called a Craft, partly for historical reasons, partly because, unlike so many fraternities, it requires a training (given in the form of initiation ceremonies) of those seeking its membership.


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