Grand United Order of Salem
OUR TRADITIONS
Family is defined not only by blood, but by the bonds of friendship and shared purpose. We unite to strengthen one another and serve our communities—because stronger families create stronger communities.
SYMBOLS & SIGNS
The initiation of the Grand United Order of Salem is a dignified ceremony in which symbols, journeys, and traditional lessons are used to encourage personal growth and moral responsibility. Each symbol represents a principle to be practiced in daily life, including truth, self-discipline, service, peace, charity, and unity. The ceremony is not intended to impose belief, but to use memorable symbols and stories to help members reflect upon their character, their duties to others, and the kind of life they wish to build.
The Salems are not a religious organization, although the tradition includes biblical references for the purpose of teaching moral lessons. The Cross of Strength is not used as a religious symbol; it is formed by the word UNION and teaches that true strength is found when upright principle is joined with fellowship and service. We welcome individuals from all walks of life, and our traditions do not seek to interfere with any member’s personal, religious, spiritual, or political views.
FRATERNAL REGALIA
The fez originated as a traditional North African and Ottoman headdress and became popular among American fraternal societies during the late nineteenth century, when organizations frequently adopted romanticized Middle Eastern themes for ceremonies and regalia.
Although the Shriners made the red fez their official headgear in 1872, black, blue, white, and other fezzes have also been worn by the Grotto, the Knights of Khorassan, Odd Fellows–related bodies, and numerous social and benevolent societies; therefore, the fez is a general form of fraternal regalia and does not belong exclusively to any one Order.
Sashes developed from the broad ribbons worn with military and chivalric decorations to display rank, honor, or membership, and were later adopted by fraternal organizations as visible symbols of office, degree, authority, mourning, or organizational identity.
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The modern regalia of the Grand United Order of Salem features a black fez with a white tassel, the word Salem embroidered above the Cross of Strength, No. to the left, and the lodge number to the right. Members also wear a black sash from the right shoulder to the left hip, trimmed in white with white tassels. The Salem Emblem is stitched near the shoulder, and Salem appears diagonally.
