uoted
in the text.

APHANISM (Greek [Greek: a)phani/zo], _to conceal_). In each of the
initiations of the ancient Mysteries, there was a scenic representation of
the death or disappearance of some god or hero, whose adventures
constituted the legend of the Mystery. That part of the ceremony of
initiation which related to and represented the death or disappearance was
called the _aphanism_.

Freemasonry, which has in its ceremonial form been framed after the model
of these ancient Mysteries, has also its aphanism in the third degree.

APORRHETA (Greek [Greek: apor)r(e/ta]). The holy things in the ancient
Mysteries which were known only to the initiates, and were not to be
disclosed to the profane, were called the _aporrheta_. What are the
aporrheta of Freemasonry? what are the arcana of which there can be no
disclosure? is a question that for some years past has given rise to much
discussion among the disciples of the institution. If the sphere and
number of these aporrheta be very considerably extended, it is evident
that much valuable investigation by public discussion of the science of
Masonry will be prohibited. On the other hand, if the aporrheta are
restricted to only a few points, much of the beauty, the permanency, and
the efficacy of Freemasonry, which are dependent on its organization as a
secret and mystical association, will be lost. We move between Scylla and
Charybdis, and it is difficult for a masonic writer to know how to steer
so as, in avoiding too frank an exposition of the principles of the Order,
not to fall by too much reticence into obscurity. The European Masons are
far more liberal in their views of the obligation of secrecy than the
English or the American. There are few things, indeed, which a French or
German masonic writer will refuse to discuss with the utmost frankness. It
is now beginning to be very generally admitted, and English and American
writers are acting on the admission, that the only real aporrheta of
Freemasonry are the modes of recognition, and the peculiar and distinctive
ceremonies of the Order; and to these last it is claimed that reference
may be publicly made for the purposes of scientific investigation,
provided that the reference be so made as to be obscure to the profane,
and intelligible only to the initiated.

APRON. The lambskin, or white leather apron, is the peculiar and
distinctive badge of a mason.

Its color must be white, and its material a lambskin.

It