Freemasons Universal Tartan
The Freemasons Universal Tartan is the tartan intended for and properly worn by the entire family of Masonic organizations. Not designed to be associated with any specific family clan, nation, or Masonic jurisdiction, the Freemasons Universal Tartan is instead intended “to unify the brethren under a family emblem for Masons anywhere in the world.” While many Masonic tartans are registered, the Freemasons Universal is the only tartan not designed for one specific lodge or Grand Lodge, but instead is intended for use by all Freemasons worldwide.
Design
The Freemasons Universal Tartan was designed by Anne Carroll Gilmour, a noted American master weaver who is married to Past Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of Utah, Ridgely H. Gilmour. A textile artist, Ms. Gilmour is considered one of America’s finest tartan weavers . Upon the tartan’s design, submission, and acceptance, Ms. Gilmour released the rights to the tartan to the Grand Lodge of Utah as a donation to and fundraiser for the Grand Lodge of Utah.
The tartan employs seven colors in the sett, specifically: blue, purple, gold, white, red, green, black, which both separately and taken together have multiple Masonic significance. Included among these symbols are the “red cross” symbol of relief, the Masonic square and compasses, and symbols or colors used by a variety of Masonic organizations, including the Job’s Daughters International, the Shriners, the Scottish Rite, Prince Hall Freemasonry, the Order of Demolay International, the Red Cross of Constantine, and others.
Registration
The tartan was registered with and deemed unique by the Scottish Tartans Authority in Perthshire, Scotland, and a Certificate of Recording was issued by the Tartans Authority on August 14, 2004. Subsequently, Strathmore Woolen Mills in Forfar, Scotland was exclusively commissioned to weave the cloth in bulk for the Grand Lodge of Utah, which in turn makes the fabric available to the general public.
The Grand Lodge of Utah applied for trademark protection for the fabric pattern and received it on January 10, 2005. Freemasons of all jurisdictions and members of Masonic appendant bodies now wear this tartan worldwide as kilts, ties, sashes, scarves, and other clothing during Masonic ceremonies and other functions and social activities.