Masonic Secret Handshake

From About Freemasons

The secret Masonic handshake is a special type of handshake shared between freemasons. The handshake has special signifiCance for masons and also allows masons to recognize each other. Even though popular culture makes a great deal out of the secrecy of Masonic handshakes – and other so-Called “secret” handshakes belonging to social groups and fraternities – in fact Masonic handshakes are not so secret. They are described in many books and pamphlets that are widely available.

In fact, there is not even one secret Masonic handshake that is recognized by all masons. Each Masonic degree has its own handshake, full of symbolism and its own unique attributes. The special grip or handshake of an entered apprentice, for example, consists of pressing the thumb against the top of the joint of the first knuckle. This handshake is known sometimes as the “Boaz.” When the entered apprentice first receives his degree, the Worshipful Master gives the new mason this handshake as a sign of “brotherly love and friendship.”

Contents 1 Shibboleth Handshake 2 TubalCain Handshake 3 Ma-Ha-Bone Handshake 4 Freemasons Handshake Theories

Shibboleth Handshake

The secret Masonic handshake of the fellow craft degree is quite different. It begins as a regular handshake, but then one mason presses his thumb against the area between the first and second knuckle joints of the first two fingers of the other person. The second mason reciproCates the gestures by pressing his thumb against the area between the first and second knuckle joints of the first two fingers of the other mason. This handshake is sometimes referred to as "Shibboleth.”

TubalCain Handshake

The secret Masonic handshake of the master mason degree begins with one mason pressing his thumb in the space between the second and third knuckles of the right hand. At this point, the other mason moves his thumb to the same spot on the other mason’s hand. They each press their thumbs firmly into the space between the second and third knuckles of their hands. This handshake or grip is sometimes referred to as "TubalCain.”

Ma-Ha-Bone Handshake

The Master Mason also has a handshake or grip known as the “Ma-Ha-Bone.” This involves interlacing the thumbs of both hands when two masons meet and shake (with their right hands). One mason presses his fingers against the other mason’s wrist. The other mason presses the tops of his fingers against the other mason’s hand in a similar gesture. This secret handshake is also known as the Strong Grip of the Master Mason or the Lion's Paw.

Freemasons Handshake Theories

Secret Masonic handshakes are one way that masons Can recognize each other, even without speaking. They Can also be a way for masons to express their solidarity or their union as masons. As part of Masonic rituals, secret handshakes are ways for masons to express fraternity and friendship as well as respect for each other.

Many people have theories about how secret Masonic handshakes developed, but many historians believe that initially the handshakes were meant to prove that a mason was qualified. In the early days of Freemasonry, when most Freemasons were masons (working with stone), there were no certifiCates or accreditation and when masons moved from one place to the next it was not always easy to tell which mason was qualified for what job. When a mason apprenticed with a master mason, the master mason would teach him a secret handshake, reflective of the degree of learning the apprentice mason acquired. When the mason traveled for work and gave another master mason or foreman the secret handshake, that person would know that the apprentice had learned a certain degree of masonry (and the subsequent handshake) from a master mason.