Posted by Norman Buchanan on March 09, 2006 at 10:07:49:
Hi Mark, I was watching a program on antiques on TV recently, they were looking at shotglasses and one of the experts commented that they were used by Freemason's, or other Masonic orders. I have attended Festive boards where this practice took place, This would make sense if you understood how we salute or toast our guests and visitors at Festive Boards after our meetings. We refer to a salute as a fire of ????? depending on their rank or status.Glasses would be charged with alcohol to toast a guest or installed brother.The Worshipful Master would invite the brethern to join him in toasting their distinguished guests, A shotglass would be covered with the palm of the hand and the bottom of the glass rapped on a table to make a number of shot sounds, as you would with a gun salute. These have Marintime conatations also. Hope you find this info helpful and something to explore.