"I've often noted that our Grand Lodge regulations require the Worshipful Master of a Lodge to wear a hat with a 'full brim' which continues entirely around the hat (automatically excluding beanies, ball caps and berets, among others). I couldn't think of another type of hat which meets the 'full brim' requirement more readily than the traditional Mexican sombrero. You can see the results below. This meeting was held in honor of Cinco de Mayo, a Mexican national holiday, even though the actual meeting took place on May 14. The meeting was inspired by an event held by a previous Master of the Lodge to honor the great Scottish poet and Mason Robert Burns. After a short tribute to the Master Masons of Mexico who have made an impact upon their country, a discussion was necessary to determine exactly why Cinco de Mayo was celebrated (for the answer, see http://www.vivacincodemayo.org/history.htm). To Worshipful Masters considering wearing the sombrero in their meetings: be careful not to knock the hat off your head when you sit down!" --James A. Rodriguez |