What is the purpose of the "Masonic fan"?

The Masonic fan serves a significant symbolic purpose within Freemasonry, representing the idea of spreading knowledge and enlightenment. This aligns well with the overarching Masonic values of wisdom, understanding, and education. In Masonic rituals, the fan is often employed to denote the dissemination of light and truth to others, embodying the principle that knowledge is a guiding force in one's moral and intellectual development.

While it might seem that the fan could also be linked to practical uses such as providing cooling during meetings, its primary significance lies in its symbolic representation of enlightenment. The fan, through its motion, can also symbolize the active engagement in sharing knowledge and wisdom with others, a core aspect of Masonic teachings.

The associations of wealth or status—represented by the notions of importance or affluence—do not capture the essence of what the fan stands for within the Masonic tradition. These concepts are more aligned with material or hierarchical values, rather than the fundamental ideals of enlightenment and mutual support that define Freemasonry. Thus, the choice that highlights the fan's role in symbolizing the spread of knowledge is the most accurate reflection of its purpose within the fraternity.