Independent Order of Odd Fellows First Degree Banner1882–193028 1/2 x 21 " (72.4 x 53.3 cm)Embroidery thread on silk, with bullion and metalGift of Kendra and Allan Daniel2015.1.1601554455049Henderson-Ames CompanyTextilesCopyright for this work is under review.KalamazooKalamazooUnited StatesMichiganTextilesFraternal Art and ObjectsKalamazooThese banners were used during rituals in the Odd Fellows lodge, and were held by a member who was the “banner bearer.” By 1882, when the degree structure was changed, the color and symbols were associated with the First, or Friendship, Degree. Prior to that date, however, they would have been used for the Second, or Love, Degree. The images of the bow and arrows paralleled the use of three-dimensional wood bow and arrow props in the lodge. During the ritual, the biblical story of the friendship and love between Jonathan and David was reenacted. Just as the symbols depicted on banners held certain meanings, so did the color of the silks. Pink was understood to be a combination of red, the symbol of divine love, and white, the symbol of divine wisdom. Pink thus became the symbol for a love of divine wisdom.
Stacy C. Hollander, "Independent Order of Odd Fellows First Degree Banner," exhibition label for Mystery and Benevolence: Masonic and Odd Fellows Folk Art from the Kendra and Allan Daniel Collection. Stacy C. Hollander, curator. New York: American Folk Art Museum, 2016.
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated with new research. Records are reviewed and revised, and the American Folk Art Museum welcomes additional information.
To help improve this record, please email photoservices@folkartmuseum.org18821930 2015 1 16 These banners were used during rituals in the Odd Fellows lodge, and were held by a member who was the “banner bearer.” By 1882, when the degree structure was changed, the color and symbols were associated with the First, or Friendship, Degree. Prior to that date, however, they would have been used for the Second, or Love, Degree. The images of the bow and arrows paralleled the use of three-dimensional wood bow and arrow props in the lodge. During the ritual, the biblical story of the friendship and love between Jonathan and David was reenacted. Just as the symbols depicted on banners held certain meanings, so did the color of the silks. Pink was understood to be a combination of red, the symbol of divine love, and white, the symbol of divine wisdom. Pink thus became the symbol for a love of divine wisdom.
Stacy C. Hollander, "Independent Order of Odd Fellows First Degree Banner," exhibition label for Mystery and Benevolence: Masonic and Odd Fellows Folk Art from the Kendra and Allan Daniel Collection. Stacy C. Hollander, curator. New York: American Folk Art Museum, 2016.
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated with new research. Records are reviewed and revised, and the American Folk Art Museum welcomes additional information.
To help improve this record, please email photoservices@folkartmuseum.org