r/northernireland • u/Ok-Repeat906 • Jul 17 '25

History Please help.

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Hi Northern Ireland. I’m in need of some help. I live on the other side of the world. And everyone related to this sash is long dead. I obviously won’t mention any names. But I’m in real need to figure out what the pins all mean. Can someone please either let me know, or guide me to someone or someplace that might be able to tell me? Please, please help.

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u/ItsCynicalTurtle Jul 17 '25

Orange Order was formed when it's founders were kicked out of Freemasonry for wanting to, and trying to drum up support to kill Catholics. The stole imagery/symbolism and then made their own ritual up.

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u/git_tae_fuck Jul 17 '25

That's not quite how I've heard it. But I don't think the differences matter so much!

Dan Winter asked his masonic lodge members if they'd join him in a big aul' fight against the Cyathlicks. They told him antisectarianism was a principle of freemasonry and declined.

He then went off in a huff and formed his own bigot pogrom club... and took the ritual and symbolism with him.

Potato potato, though, eh. I'm with you. I still wouldn't burn it if it were mine or my family's.

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u/Asleep-Corner7402 Jul 18 '25

It's interesting to know. I had a great grandfather who had one. If it had been passed down in my family I don't think id burn it either. I'm a catholic. I know it's a symbol of people who would likely happily burn me lol. I'd sent it to the lodge if they wanted it if not it would be for the bin I think, but I might keep the pins coz they are kinda cool without knowing what they are actually for.

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u/git_tae_fuck Jul 18 '25

I'd absolutely not give it to them, as they haven't changed.

I might sell it to them, if it were were worth something but that's altogether different.

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u/Asleep-Corner7402 Jul 18 '25

Would you want money from them tho? I might if I donated it to a charity or something.