The Freemasonry FAQ
Version 1.0 August 2006
This Frequently Asked Question comes from the weekly USENET MASONRY FAQ, posted to this newsgroup every Friday at 08:00 Pacific. Please refer to the weekly FAQ for other resource and contact information.
Why do some Lodges meet on a day following the full moon? Are they moon worshipers?
The reason is actually simple practicality. Masonic Lodges meet at night, since their membership typically works during the day. Before street lights were available in the 19th century, men walked to Lodge in the dark of night and it was common to schedule Lodge meetings shortly after a full moon to provide maximum illumination for Brothers' walk to and from Lodge.
Obviously, this is no longer an issue, though some Lodges whose history stretches back into the 19th century or earlier still schedule their meetings by the moon's period. These are sometimes referred to as "moon Lodges".