Submitted by Glorious Bastard on
Odd Fellows Hymn
On Monday Night the secret society meets
Up the 26 steps and the 17th creaks. Into the ante room you softly creep.
There's a knock and a rap but you dare not peek.
And Through the peep hole an old man speaks.
There a shuffle a cough and a rattling of chains.
A pang and a clank and the conductor leads.
The train around the room and the darkness sees.
A grim scene. A reminder.
An eye and three links.
A clang and a clatter.
Restored to light and liberty.
An oath and a vow. Dared never to reveal.
The gavel cracks the room claps. And You will never be alone again.
We're all Odd here and nobody knows
How many Fellows Are behind these closed doors.
And Through the peep hole an old man speaks.
There a shuffle a cough and a rattling of chains.
A pang and a clank and the conductor leads
The train around the room and the darkness sees.
A grim scene.
A reminder.
An eye and three links.
A clang and a clatter.
Restored to light and liberty.
An oath and a vow.
Dared never to reveal.
The gavel cracks the room claps.
And You will never be alone again.
We're all Odd here and nobody knows
How many Fellows Are behind these closed doors.
In many cultures and societies, masks are used in ritualistic contexts to represent deities, spirits, ancestors, or other entities. Masks may also be used to conceal the identity of the wearer or to enhance the theatrical aspect of a performance. Some of the commonly used masks and hoods in Odd Fellows ceremonies and rituals include: The Mask of Nations: these masks are made up of the various nations and represents the unity of all people. The Hoodwink: This is a simple black hood that is worn by initiates during the initiation ceremony. It represents the darkness of ignorance and the need for knowledge and enlightenment. The Skeleton Mask: This mask represents death and mortality, and is worn during certain funeral rites. The Black Mask: This mask is worn by members during some initiation ceremonies, and represents humility and the willingness to submit oneself to higher authority. The Sun Mask: This mask represents the sun, and is often used in ceremonies celebrating the changing of the seasons or the harvest. The Moon Mask: This mask represents the moon, and is often used in ceremonies related to fertility and the cycles of life. The Animal Mask: This mask can take many forms, but often represents a particular animal or totem, and is used in rituals related to the natural world. The Jester Mask: This mask represents the playful and mischievous side of human nature, and is sometimes used in celebration or carnival-type ceremonies. The Plague Doctor Mask: This mask, with its long beak-like nose, was historically worn by doctors during outbreaks of disease. In the context of the Odd Fellows, it may be used to represent healing and protection. The Devil Mask: This mask represents evil and temptation, and is often used in morality plays or other dramatic performances. Here are some additional examples of masks and hoods used by the Odd Fellows: Sovereign Grand Lodge Degree - In this degree, the candidate wears a white robe and a hood with a black border. The hood covers the candidate's face, leaving only the eyes visible. Encampment Degrees - In the Encampment degrees, members wear a hood with a black border and a red cape. The hood has a triangular flap that covers the face and can be lifted up to reveal the member's identity. Subordinate Lodge Degrees - In the Subordinate Lodge degrees, members wear a white apron and a hood with a black border. The hood covers the head and face, leaving only the eyes visible. Patriarchs Militant Degree - In this degree, members wear a black cape and a hood with a white border. The hood covers the head and face, leaving only the eyes visible. Daughters of Rebekah Degree - In this degree, members wear a white dress and a hood with a black border. The hood covers the head and face, leaving only the eyes visible. Odd Fellows Relief Corps Degree - In this degree, members wear a white cape and a hood with a red border. The hood covers the head and face, leaving only the eyes visible. Juvenile Odd Fellows - In the Juvenile Odd Fellows, members wear a hood with a black border and a red cape. The hood covers the head and face, leaving only the eyes visible. Today, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows remains an active and vibrant organization, with thousands of members across the United States and around the world. While some of their rituals and practices may seem mysterious or outdated to outsiders, the Odd Fellows continue to uphold their longstanding commitment to making the world a better place through friendship, love, and truth.