Freemasons, or Masons, are a fraternal organization that originated as a practical union of stonemasons. The organization allowed for the regulation of stonemasons’ qualifications and dictated members’ interactions with both authorities and clients. Over the centuries, the organization evolved from a practical organization to a more esoteric secret society. Modern versions exist and function in many places across the world today. Freemasons require that all members believe in a supreme being, but not in a specific religion, and women are not allowed among their ranks. Masons value symbols, often those that revolve around the tools of stonemasonry, and they also perform intricate rituals as part of their moral code and as a way of teaching their moral precepts to new members. Individual status within Freemasonry is strictly organized; each member rises through the ranks by degrees, mastering the symbols and rituals of one degree before being allowed to move up to the next. Members also take a vow to support one another in all things unless a law has been broken.

The origin of the Masons is unclear. Some groups, such as the Lodge of Edinburgh, practice rituals that date back to the 1500s, while other groups appear to have formed in the 1700s.