The Story Behind This Beloved Emblem of the Craft of Germany

Over hundred years ago at the founding of the Masonic Lodge in the city of Heidelberg, the model for the Lodge jewel was taken from a master piece of gothic art at the entrance of Ruprecht palace of Heidelberg Castle. Thus, bur name, "RUPRECHT ZU DEN FÜNF ROSEN", was taken from emperor Ruprecht, who was the founder of Heidelberg University the oldest University in Germany. 

The entrance leading into Ruprecht palace of Heidelberg Castle received fine workmanship. Which was constructed about 1400; a keystone, a masterpiece of gothic art, crowns the pointed arch. It shows two angels on clouds carrying in their hands a wreath containing Five Roses, forming a pentagon, which is a symbol of fundamental strength in a building. 

In its center is a slightly opened compass. These figures with their implement are symbols; the compass symbolizes architecture and refers to the edifice itself, which is under the protection of Saint Mary, also known as Rosary Queen, the Five Roses in the wreath represent the five parts of the Rosary prayer. The angels represent messengers carrying the prayers of the builders and inhabitants to heaven. The facts are thus based on architecture and its emblematical interpretation. 

Legend teaches us that the architect of the Ruprecht palace was a pious and god fearing artist. His two sons were his very pride and joy. To his great grief, both of the sons died suddenly by falling from the scaffold of the new building where they had been playing. The master very suddenly lost all hope and creative power. 

He was brooding in loneliness and no longer had ambition to complete the building. 

Everyday he went to the graves of his two Sons, decorating them with fresh flowers. Emperor Ruprecht, the owner of the new palace, was very discontent with his lonely and worried builder and had him admonished. The master replied that he was not able to find a worthy solution for the keystone of the entrance. But one night he dreamed that his two sons were angels descending, carrying a wreath with the Five Roses that he had placed on their tombs the day before. The next morning while pondering about his dream, he suddenly realized that it was beyond doubt a divine hint for designing the keystone of the portal arch. Soon his dream took shape on his trestle board. The emperor was content, but when he wanted to praise and reward the master, he learned that his architect had renounced this world. He had entered the monastery on Michael Mountain on the opposite side of the Neckar River. The keystone crowning the pointed arch is of a symbolic design and conforms to medieval masonic architecture. 

The compass represents the old masonic craft; the Five Roses for the divine power, both being emblems of the royal art of free masonry and of the good old Lodge Ruprecht to the Five Roses. 

This JEWEL of "RUPRECHT ZU DEN FÜNF ROSEN" is presented to all members of Alt Heidelberg Lodge No. 821 A. F. & A. M. and must always be worn when attending this Lodge.