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It probably seems to most Masons that there should be some symbolical significance or meaning attached to the seven little chains which adorn the tassels on our aprons. After all, the number seven has long had special significance - the seven ages of man, the seven cardinal virtues, the seven mortal sins, and so on.
The question has a number of answers - Yes, No, Perhaps. Let me explain.
A number of modern Masonic writers tell us that it is far too easy to go overboard with symbolism, and try to find a symbolic meaning in every thing or action in Freemasonry. They suggest that symbolism should be restricted to that given in our rituals pointing out that the symbolical explanations given therein are clear, simple and wholly satisfying.
If we do as suggested, and restrict ourselves to the ritual symbolism, then most Masons will say that there is no symbolical meaning for the seven little chains. Quite obviously, this is because there is no mention of the seven little chains in the standard ritual approved by UGLQ.
On the other hand, there are some rituals in use in Queensland which do mention the seven little chains, and give a meaning to them. Equally obviously then, the Masons who use these rituals are entitled to say that the seven little chains do have a symbolical meaning.
In the English Emulation ritual, there is an optional charge which may be used when presenting a Master Mason with his apron. It states, in part: "To each of these ribbons seven tassels are attached to remind us that no Lodge is perfect unless seven Brethren are present; that in olden days the seven ages of man were thought to be influenced by the seven then known planets; and no MM was considered efficient unless he had some knowledge of the seven liberal arts and sciences." Other rituals may well have some other meaning given to the seven little chains.
One can, of course, decide that even though our ritual does not mention the seven little chains, that there should be a symbolical meaning attached to the seven little chains. One could decide that they represent the seven liberal arts and sciences, in which we should be proficient; or the seven cardinal virtues, which we should always practice; or the seven mortal sins, which we should always avoid; or anything else, for that matter. But if one does this, one should also be fully aware that this is a personal symbolism only, and others may well disagree.
But this option gives us the third answer of "Perhaps'.
Brother FR Worts, a member of Quatuor Coronati Lodge in London, had this to say about the seven little chains when writing about them: "The symbolic origins of the tassels and their seven chains are also shrouded in mystery. It is far better to accept the probability that regalia makers from 1830 onwards contrived a symmetrical design for the apron by placing the tassels with their ornamental chains on either side of the apron."
Bro Worts seems to be suggesting that the regalia makers, knowing that the number seven is of importance in myths, legends, the Bible, religion, Freemasonry and other areas, put seven little chains on the tassels, leaving the Masons to argue about their meaning. And this may well have been the case.
R Jeffery 10/8/85
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