Regalia

Members of the Holy Royal Arch in Victoria wear an apron, sash and a jewel. The apron is described thus:

  • An apron of white lambskin or material of similar appearance, approximately 360-410mm wide by 310-260mm in depth, bordered by alternating crimson and royal blue or purple triangles with the crimson apex pointing towards the centre of the apron.
  • The border of the apron is double indented (100mm) for Grand Officers and (50mm) for all other Companions.
  • The apron has a flap with an indented border approximately 30mm wide comprised of alternating crimson and royal blue or purple triangles with the crimson apex pointing towards the centre of the flap. In the centre of the flap is an embroidered or metal triangle surrounded by a gold or gilt border. Within the triangle are three “taus” united in gold embroidery or gilt. From under the flap are suspended, by a ribbon approximately 50mm wide, two gold or gilt tassels.
  • The colour behind the triangle; of the tassels ribbon; and of the apron lining is royal blue or purple for Grand Officers, crimson for Principals and Past Principals, and white for all other Companions

The sash is described as being of crimson and royal blue or purple triangles, having a fringe at the end of gold or gilt for Grand Officers, Principals and Past Principals, and of crimson and royal blue or purple for all other Companions. Grand Officers sashes also have a gold or gilt strip along the centre for its full length.

The jewel of the order (see diagram) is worn on the left breast pocket. For Grand Officers, the ribbon comprises three vertical bands of royal blue or purple and crimson and pale blue respectively. The royal blue or purple being nearest to the shoulder and the pale blue mearest to the centre of the chest. For Principals and Past Principals the ribbon is crimson and for all other Companions it is white.

Officers of the Chapter wear collars or stoles to indicate their office. Many also wear specific robes. The First Principal, Second Principal and Third Principal wear robes of crimson, purple and sky blue respectively with the collar of their office. The Principal Sojourner, First Assistant Sojourner and Second Assistant Sojourner wear white robes with the collar of their office. The Guardian s of the Third, Second and First Veils wear white robes with a stole of crimson, purple and sky blue respectively denoting their office. Scribes Ezra and Nehemiah wear blue robes having white sleeves with their collar of office.

Present Grand Officers wear chain collars and past Grand Officers wear soft collars, each with the jewel of their rank.

Except for daylight Chapters, members are expected to wear a dinner suit, dress shirt, red (preferred) or black bow tie, cummerbund, black shoes and white gloves. In a daylight Lodge, members are expected to wear a dark suit, a shirt and tie, and black socks and shoes. In both cases, in summer months (1 October to 31 March inclusive) the jacket may be omitted. There is also an option for all companions to wear a white mess jacket in lieu of black dinner suit jacket in summer months. Note that jackets must always be worn at Installations and must be worn on other occasions if the First Principal so directs. Braces may be worn only if a jacket is also worn. Tails are not worn in this jurisdiction.