The corn, wine and oil in Operative Masonry were the wages a Fellow-Craft was paid for the performance of his duties.
In Masonic rites they are elements of consecration of the Lodge, and in other forms of consecration rites.
Corn, the emblem of food, reminds the Mason that he is to be nourished by the hidden Manna of Righteousness; wine, the emblem of refreshment, reminds him that he is to be refreshed with the word of the Lord; oil, the emblem of Divine anointing, reminds him that he is to rejoice with joy unspeakable in the riches of Divine grace.
The carrying of Corn, Wine and Oil in a procession reminds a Mason that in the pilgrimage of life he is to give bread to the hungry, cheer to the sorrowful, and consolation to the sick and afflicted.
In Speculative Freemasonry, the ritual explains Corn, Wine and Oil to wit: "It is emblematical of nourishment, refreshment, and joy and teaches Masons this important lesson… That we should be ever-ready to nourish the needy, refresh the destitute, and pour the oil of joy in the hearts of the afflicted." ( Psalms 104:15 )
Biblical Reference
Psalms 104:15
And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart.
~~ooOoo~~
This page is adapted from the Glossary at Phoenixmasonry — Used with permission.
