Are Masonic rituals demeaning or embarrassing to the candidate?
Nothing could be further from the truth. The rituals (degrees) are designed to reinforce virtues that the Craft finds desirable, such as Justice, Brotherly Love, Truth, and the like. The rituals are actually quite beautiful and filled with ancient language and much symbolism. At no point, however, is the candidate asked to do anything that would embarrass or demean him, nor anything that would violate his obligations to his faith, country, or the law.
No. Our Fraternity goes to great lengths to attempt to foster an atmosphere of respect, honesty and fidelity for one another. This also extends to those who wish to join our Order. For example, during the initiation process, the candidate is always accompanied by a companion so that he is never made to feel humiliation, embarrassment or stigmatized.
