Why is Freemasonry so secretive, why the Secret Handshake?
The forerunner to Freemasonry, as we know it today, was the Operative or Stone Mason. They were the builders of the great Cathedrals and palaces of Europe in the middle ages. They were unable to read or write. They were entrusted with a grip or handshake and a word so that they may prove their qualifications as a Stone Mason. As they moved from site to site they used these proofs to gain employment at a new site. As this was heavy work only men were employed as Stone Masons. In a similar manner today’s Freemasons use handshakes and words to help recognize each other. Why aren’t women accepted as members? It was from this background (only men employed as Stone Masons due to the nature of the work in ancient times) that Freemasonry as it is known today was born and it is with these traditions and customs in mind that women are not members. There are other orders, which are part of the Masonic Family, that have been formed for ladies to join. Youth Orders are also available for both girls
