Unveiling the Secrets

The Order of Woodcutters

• The society that served as the inspiration for the Order of Woodcutters was Freemasonry.
• The meeting place of the Wood-cutters was called a "lodge".

Ranks and Members

• The presiding officer in the Order of Woodcutters was called the "Commander of the Forest".
• Male members of the Order of Woodcutters were called "Woodcutters", while female members were called "Woodcutresses".

Impact and Popularity

• The popularity of the Order of Woodcutters led to the establishment of similar secret associations that admitted female members.

The Rite of Adoption

• The "Rite of Adoption" was a masonic rite established by the Grand Orient of France in 1774.
• The purpose of the Rite of Adoption was to admit women into masonic-style lodges.

Lodges of Adoption

• The Lodges of Adoption were opened to women and men, with the Master or Deputy of a regularly constituted Masonic Lodge playing a significant role in these Lodges.
• Only the wives, sisters, and daughters of Freemasons were allowed to attend the Lodges of Adoption.
• The first Lodge of Adoption was opened in Paris in 1775.

Distinctions from Freemasonry

• What distinguished the secret associations from Freemasonry was their admission of female members.

Test your knowledge of secret societies with this quiz! Discover interesting facts about the "Order of Perfect Happiness" and its nautical-themed emblems and vocabulary. Dive into the four degrees of this mysterious society and see how much you know about their intriguing history.