Eastern Star Fezzes: History, Symbolism, and Common Misconceptions

The Order of the Eastern Star (OES) is one of the largest fraternal organizations in the world that welcomes both men and women. Founded in the mid-1800s, it is closely tied to Freemasonry and rooted in moral teachings drawn from the Bible. The organization emphasizes values such as loyalty, charity, faith, love, and hospitality. Over the years, the OES has been a place where members seek fellowship, personal growth, and opportunities to serve their communities.

The Order of the Eastern Star: Purpose and Membership

The Order of the Eastern Star was created as a way for women to share in the fellowship of Freemasonry, which was historically open only to men. Membership today is open to:

• Women who are related to Master Masons (wives, daughters, sisters, mothers, and widows).
• Men who are Master Masons themselves.

Local groups are called chapters, and each chapter has officers who carry out ceremonial duties and lead charitable work. The organization’s emblem is a five-pointed star, with each point representing a biblical heroine and an associated virtue:

1. Adah (Blue) – Obedience and self-sacrifice
2. Ruth (Yellow) – Loyalty and devotion
3. Esther (White) – Courage and purity
4. Martha (Green) – Faith and trust
5. Electa (Red) – Love and hospitality

Through ritual, symbolism, and community service, OES members strive to live out these values in their personal lives.

Why People Join the Eastern Star

People become members of the Eastern Star for many reasons:

• Family and tradition: Many join because of their ties to Freemasonry, making it a family-oriented extension of Masonic life.
• Fellowship: Chapters create opportunities for deep friendships and a sense of belonging.
• Charity: OES is committed to philanthropic causes such as scholarships, veterans’ programs, and disaster relief.
• Personal growth: Members appreciate the lessons of morality, courage, and service taught through ritual and symbolism.
• Leadership: Chapters offer officer roles that encourage public speaking, organizational skills, and personal development.

These aspects, taken together, make the Order of the Eastern Star appealing to those who value both tradition and community service.

The Eastern Star Fez: A Symbol

• The fez—a red, tasseled hat named after the city of Fez in Morocco—has become one of the most recognizable symbols of fraternal life in North America.

Eastern Star Regalia vs. Shriners’ Fezzes

While Shriners proudly wear fezzes, Eastern Star members have their own distinct regalia, in addition to fezzes. During meetings and ceremonies, OES members typically wear:

• Badges or jewels featuring the five-pointed star.
• Sashes or collars denoting officer roles.
• Colors associated with the five heroines and their virtues.

Why the Confusion?

The confusion about Eastern Star fezzes likely comes from a few factors:

1. Shared Masonic Roots: Both OES and Shriners are part of the wider Masonic family of organizations. Outsiders often lump them together without realizing their distinct traditions.
2. Visibility of Shriners: Shriners are highly visible in public events, often wearing fezzes during parades and fundraisers. This strong association may spill over into other Masonic-related groups in the public imagination.
3. General Mystery: Masonic groups are known for their symbolism, rituals, and regalia. To those unfamiliar, it can be difficult to tell which item belongs to which group.

Conclusion

The Order of the Eastern Star is a respected Masonic-affiliated organization dedicated to fellowship, morality, and charitable service. Its members use fezzes, star emblems, sashes, and officer jewels to symbolize their values and roles.

Ultimately, whether through a star, a sash, or a Eastern Star fez, these symbols remind members of their duty to live with integrity, serve their communities, and uphold the traditions of fraternity and charity.