The Fez
The Fez
The red fez with a black tassel, the Shrine's official headgear, has been handed down through the ages. It derives it's name from the place where it was first manufactured-- the holy city of Fez, Morocco. Some historians claim it dates back to about A.D. 980, but the name of the fez, or the earliest references to the heardgear is in "Arabian Nights."
The Importance Of Wearing My Fez
One of the most widely recognized symbols in all of Shrinedom is the red fez. My Shrine fez, adopted by the Shrine's founders in 1872, has become synonymous with all that is good and noble in our great fraternity and its support of the "World's Greatest Philanthropy," Shriners Hospitals for Children.
That distinctive hat with the black tassel is what people recognize when they see Shriners on parade -- it's the red fez that tells people that they are watching not just any parade, but a Shriners parade!
Because the Shrine's identity and community recognition and support are vitally important to my fraternity's very existence, I must remember that the fez helps to strengthen the public's recognition of the Shrine and its association with Shriners Hospitals. The benefits of this association are far reaching and can assist the fraternity in areas such as fund raising, patient recruitment and membership.
The wearing of my fez is a simple and effective means of gaining valuable exposure for our fraternity and it's philanthropy. The donning of my fez could mean the difference between a potential donor making a gift to Shriners Hospitals, or to another charity. It could mean that a young man might take the time to find out how he can become a Shriner, or it could even mean that a child's parents, after seeing my fez and the good work behind it, may learn about Shriners Hospitals and how our hospitals can help their child.
The next time I attend a Shrine function, and I reach for a baseball cap or some other type of hat, I must stop and think of the children who may miss an opportunity for treatment at one of our world-renowned Shriners Hospitals, or the donation that Shriners Hospitals might not receive, or even the potential member who might never know the benefits of Shrine membership.
When I wear my fez, I must not forget about the protocol associated with this important symbol. Temple Officers, members of Shrine Clubs and Units and appointees of the Imperial Potentate and Potentate may have their title embroidered in gold or silver or in rhinestone jewels on one line beneath the emblem, and not more than two pins or clasps may be used to secure the tassel. No other pins or adornments of any kind will be permitted to be worn on my fez.
The Shrine has an long and honorable past, with much to be proud of, and my Shrine fez is an important part of our history. I must remember to wear my fez and make that distinctive symbol of Shrinedom a part of the future.
The wearing of my fez will help gain valuable exposure for the Shrine's philanthropy, Shriners Hospitals for Children. Perhaps a child's parents, after seeing my fez, may approach me asking for help for their child. . . . you never know!
My Shrine fez, proudly worn at most Shrine functions, will help strengthen the public's recognition of my great fraternity, and perhaps entice other men to inquire about membership.