In the 18th century, a secret group called the Order of the Pug came to life. It was started in the 1740s by Roman Catholics. They wanted to challenge the Catholic Church’s rule against joining Freemasonry.
This group let its members, even women, take part in Masonic activities. They did this without breaking the papal ban.
Clemens August of Bavaria is thought to have started the Order of the Pug. He aimed to build a group that valued loyalty, trust, and strong character. The pug dog became their symbol, showing what they looked for in their members.
Key Takeaways
- The Order of the Pug was a secret society founded in the 1740s by Roman Catholics
- It was created to bypass the Catholic Church’s ban on participating in Freemasonry
- The pug dog was chosen as the order’s symbol, representing loyalty and trustworthiness
- Unlike most Masonic groups, the Order of the Pug allowed women to become members
- Clemens August of Bavaria is believed to be the founder of the secret society
The Rise of the Order of the Pug: A Rebellious Response to the Catholic Church
In 1738, Pope Clement XII issued a papal bull that banned Roman Catholics from joining Freemasons or secret societies. This was a move to keep Freemasonry in check and protect Catholicism‘s power. But, many Catholics didn’t agree with this rule.
Clemens August of Bavaria, a devoted Catholic and Freemason, decided to fight back. He started the Order of the Pug with others who shared his views. This secret group was a place for Catholics to keep their Freemasonry ties, even after the papal bull.
The Order of the Pug was for Roman Catholics only. It was a secret group inside the Freemason world, challenging the Pope’s rule. This act showed how committed Clemens August and others were to Freemasonry and fighting against religious control.
The Order of the Pug sent a strong message to the Catholic Church and everyone else. It showed that some people wouldn’t let their beliefs be controlled by others. The order proved that fighting for personal freedom against big institutions is a long-standing issue.
Initiation Rituals and Practices of the Order of the Pug
The Order of the Pug had unique initiation ceremonies. These tested the devotion and loyalty of new members. The process started with the novice scratching at the door, showing their wish to join.
After entering, the candidate wore a dog collar as a sign of their commitment. They were then blindfolded and walked nine times around a carpet with secret symbols. During this, members barked loudly, making it hard to focus.
The most unusual part was kissing a porcelain pug figurine. This showed their deep loyalty to the order. After finishing the rituals, new members got a silver pug medallion. This symbolized their membership and dedication.
The leaders were called Grand Pugs. They led meetings and ceremonies. The meetings had an interesting seating setup, with men and women taking turns. This was to ensure equality and unity among members.
The rituals made members feel like they were part of a close-knit group. By going through these unique ceremonies, people showed they were ready to accept the order’s values. They also promised to be loyal to the society and its beliefs.
The Downfall of the Order of the Pug
The Order of the Pug started strong but didn’t last long. It was a secret group that stood up to the Catholic Church’s ban on Freemasonry. But, it fell apart in just ten years.
A French book by Catholic abbot Gabriel-Louis-Calabre Pérau in 1745 was the main reason. The book, “L’Ordre des francs-maçons trahi et le secret des Mopses révélé,” exposed the group’s pug traditions and defiance of Catholic rules. It revealed the group’s secret rituals, losing the mystery that drew people in.
This book was the start of the end for the Order of the Pug. As more people read it, the group faced more criticism. The Catholic Church used this chance to attack the order even harder. With no support and fewer members, the Order of the Pug couldn’t recover.
This happened around the same time as vampire panics in New England. It was a time of high superstition and fear.
The Order of the Pug was gone within a decade. Some say parts of it lasted until 1902 in France, but this is not proven. The group’s story shows how secret societies and rebellion can clash with religion in the 18th century.
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