Will a military Mason help me with this question?

Question

I hope this doesn't sound like a frivolous question, because it most definitely isn't. My father couldn't answer it when he was alive, so now I'm going to pose it to Y!A:

About a year before he died, my father was awarded the Red Cross of Constantine, and my question is -- why is the Red Cross of Constantine purple?

My father was very honored by the recognition, but couldn't tell me why his sash was purple. Regardless -- the photographs that I have of him after the ceremony will always be among my most treasured possessions. He was so proud.

Thanks in advance for your answers.

Answer 1

The Red Cross of Constantine is an Order of Freemasons who have been made Royal Arch Masons. It is exclusively a Christian Order and by invitation only.



Its badge is a cross flouree', gules, depending from a ribbon purpure. On the arms of the cross are the letters I H S V for In Hoc Signo Vinces (in this sign conquer). Refering to the sign Constantine supposedly saw just before a decisive battle. Constantine supposedly converted to Christianity on his deathbed.



The Red Cross of Constantine is officially The Masonic and Military Order of the Red Cross of Constantine and the Orders of the Holy Sepulchre and St. John the Evangelist, the latter two of which are called the Appendant Orders. There are also two chair degrees conferred on the Viceroy and Sovereign of a Conclave, and two honorary orders: Knight Commander of Constantine and Knight Grand Cross. The governing body of the Order for the United States of America, the Republic of Mexico and the Republic of the Philipines and their territories is styled The United Grand Imperial Council of Knights of the Red Cross of Constantine and Appendant Orders for the United States of America, Mexico and the Philipines.



The purpose of the Constantinian Orders are to commemorate the first elevation of Christianity from the position of a despised and proscribed heresy to that of a legally recognized and honored religion, to cultivate the social virtues, appeal to the intellectual and moral qualities, preserve as far as possible the customs of the fraternity and bring about good fellowship and understanding between all branches of Masonry.



Knights Companions of the Order meet in Conclaves of the Red Cross of Constantine and a member must be a Royal Arch Mason in good standing and subscribe to a belief in the Christian religion as revealed in the New Testament. Membership is by invitation and each Conclave has a prescribed membership limit.



My speculation on the color purpure (purple): first the dye was very rare and costly, It was reserved for kings like Constantine. Second, purple is associated with the passion and sacrifice of the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. During the Lenten season, many churches drape their statuary with purple.



My Order, American Co-Masonry does not have that degree to my knowledge. Since I am not yet a Royal Arch Mason, I am not privy to that.



Recap: honor bestowed on Christian Masculine rite Masons, invitation only, must be a Royal Arch Mason first.



If you yourself with to pursue Freemasonry in an esoteric manner, American Co-Masonry may be your path. Feel free to write to me privately about more and to click upon the link below.



Heartiest good wishes,

A Master Mason



Hiram Lodge No 11 (Santa Cruz, CA)

Amon Ra Lodge No. 9 (Los Angeles, CA)

Sapientia Lodge of Research (Larkspur, CO)

Adamant Mark Lodge No. 3 (Santa Cruz, CA)

Answer 2

I have a free mason handbook... I'll look it up in case no one else can answer.



Ok... it says it symbolizes "high initiation" and represents devotedness and self-sacrifice.... this is hard to read... there are many levels or "degrees" in the masons. Above master comes "perfect Master," "provost and judge" and many more.. I haven't yet found to which degree this red cross may belong...



I'm not certain, but it appears to symbolize:



"the great truth concerning the nature and existence of one supreme diety and the existence and immortality of the soul. It revives the academy of Plato and the wise teachings of Socrates. It reiterates the maxims of Pythagoras, Confucius, and Zoraster, and reverentially enforces the sublime lessons of Him who died upon the cross."



Edit: I found it... 18th degree (XVIII) mason "Knight Rose Croix" high honor.... it goes up to at least 30th degree. But it's a long road to 18th...





.



I can't find much more than that...

Answer 3

Look at your vein.



Also the history of the color purple being reserved for not laymen. As noted above the cost etc. Deeper reading can be the tabernacle tent and also the colors the should be drapped behind the WM's chair. I believe yellow and purple.



Mackey's Encyclopedia covers all the small bits.



But I say look to your vein.

Answer 4

Find user named NeoArt somehow. He is a Master Mason and prior military. In fact, advanced search on freemasonry and you can find his username and e-mail him. He is very knowledgeable. Good luck!

Answer 5

Has to do with Rome. I could tell you but theres too many civilians reading this.

Answer 6

because it is the color of royalty and that is a royal honor. not just a military honor