Baal’s Bridge Square was discovered in the excavation of the foundations of Baal’s Bridge, in the City of Limerick, November 1830. This has led to much discussion of the origins and antiquity of Freemasonry. The topic has come up more than once regarding the question of how old Freemasonry is exactly. The truth is nobody really knows. Across the mists of time, we catch fleeting glimpses of our ancient brethren and try to locate them in history, then ‘woosh’ it disappears.
One such glimpse comes from Ireland. The city of Limerick decided that the old Baal Bridge needed to be rebuilt, and it began the arduous work of taking the old stone bridge down to the foundations. While excavating the foundations, the workers came across a curious piece of metal that had been purposely placed in the northeastern corner of the foundation stones, next to the northern pier (north-east corner).
Since they could at least identify the rough shape as a builder’s square, the Freemasons were keenly interested. The object was severely corroded, but after careful cleaning, a rubbing was made. Before this, on examination, the date was put at about 1517; after closer examination, the ‘Square’ bears the date of 1507. This is 210 years before the formation of the Grand Lodge of London and Westminster (AKA UGLE).
Engraved on the Square:
“I Will Strive to Live With Love & Care” Dated: 1507 (Obverse)
“Upon the Level By the Square” (Inverse)
Due to the location, it was found and the inscription on the square, I’d say this was strong evidence that we are keeping the traditions and rituals of our Operative brothers alive and well.
You can read the original reporting on this artifact, which appeared in the Masonic Magazine known as “The Builder”, first in 1929. In 1930, additional information and some new facts were published by Bro. J. Hugo Tatsch.
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More on what is a “Square”:
What does the square symbolize?
The square symbolizes stability, order, balance, and the earthly or physical realm due to its equal sides and right angles, contrasting with the dynamism of shapes like the circle. Its meanings include solidity, steadfastness, justice, and the completeness of material reality, with variations across cultures representing cosmic order (Hinduism), permanence (Native American religions), or even the celestial palace (Buddhism).
General Meanings
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Stability & Order:
The rigid geometry of a square provides a sense of firm foundations, order, and stability, making it a common symbol for permanent structures and stable societies.
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Balance & Equality:
Its equal sides and perfect symmetry represent balance, uniformity, and fairness, reflecting a dependable and static perfection.
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Material & Earthly:
In many traditions, the square symbolizes the physical world, the tangible realm, and the fixed nature of matter, as opposed to the infinite nature of the circle which represents the spiritual or heavenly.
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Completeness:
The four equal sides and right angles are seen as representing a complete and self-contained form, often associated with completeness or divine order.
Cultural & Religious Symbolism
- Buddhism: The square represents the vastness and enlightened aspects of a celestial palace and also touches upon concepts of fixed and unfixed forms, hinting at the nature of emptiness.
- Hinduism: It signifies cosmic order and the balance of opposing forces.
- Islamic Art: The square represents the physical world and materiality, standing for human consciousness and its relationship with the divine.
- Native American Religions: The square embodies permanence and a safe, grounded place.
- Christianity: It symbolizes divine order, the perfection of God’s creation, stability, and justice.
Other Symbolic Uses
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Freemasonry:
The square is a key symbol, often paired with compasses, representing the need to “square our actions” and keep within moral boundaries.
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Chinese Culture:
A circle within a square is a symbol of “Heaven on Earth,” representing the divine within the earthly realm.
