Symbols by Numbers
“Arithmo de te pant epeoiken” (Everything is given order by numbers) - Pythagoras (569 BC – 475 BC)
Numbers and dates often appear on tools, carved on their wooden handles, or on the sides of woodworking planes, or sometimes engraved on the branches of iron compasses and the heads of hammers. There are numerous codes issued from numerology and dozens of different interpretations for them. Herebelow are the most common for numbers 1 to 13 as they relate particularly to European tools and trades. Some explanations are scientifically supported; others just reached us from oral traditions transmitted from Dark Ages. Science itself has been the greatest generator of codes and symbols.
Of all the great mathematicians who have established the basis of arithmetic, as we know it today, Pythagoras is often referred to as the first genius. And he set the bar quite high! Let us run down some numbers… Pythagoras developed very basic theories and foundations for mathematics and geometry that remain intact after more than twenty-five centuries. He applied numerology to simple observations like the pyramid made of four dots at the base rows of three, two more, and one dot at the top. He called it the Tetrakys, symbol of the perfect equilibrium. Many of Pythagoras rules and theorems are used in architecture. The most famous of them is known as the Pythagoras Theorem. The symbol used today by Freemasons as the perfect equilibrium and ultimate tool of knowledge is precisely the square triangle with sides proportioned to three, four, and five units respectively to easily demonstrate Pythagoras’ theorem. It is known as the “perfect” triangle. Masons and architects used this “3-4-5” triangle as a symbol profusely over the centuries. Freemasons use it today in their formal teaching as well. Of the many architects who have given explanations on numeral codes and series, Pollionis Vitruvius left his mark in the first century AD with his ten-volume manuscript, De Architectura (known as “The Ten Books of Architecture”). He dedicated it to Caesarem Augustum, the Roman emperor he worked for. Regarded as one of the founding fathers of classic architecture, Vitruvius thought that the most significant number in architecture had to be five. Other numerals have special significance as well.
One
The loneliest number of all! One is also often viewed as representing God and divine principles, notably in monotheist religions such as Christianity and Judaism. On many ancient tools where the numeral one can be seen, generally those ...
Two
Man and his duality of body and mind are best symbolized by the second numeral. In ancient tools, the numeral two is quite often represented as the letter z engraved on the side of the blades or on planes. Over the years, the numeral “2” was transformed to a rounder shape as shown above. It represents also the couple, the lovers, and plurality of the spirit.
Often found discreetly on tools, two points are either engraved or marked with another material than the primary body of the tool. In the example of the Dolphin carved carpenter plane shown here, two points made of ivory appear on the lower side of the body after the initial “T” of the maker. This is undoubtedly a tool made by an aspiring Compagnon of the Tour de France. As explained in his book L’Outil et le Compagnon (The Tool and the Compagnon), Jean Claude Peretz explains that a journeyman who has not yet completed his Tour de France must sign his tool with only two points while the accomplished Compagnon can use the three-point symbol of freemasonry.
Three
For Catholics, the numeral three represents the Divine Trinity: God, his son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. The symbol is omnipresent within churches and cathedrals. The cross is generally proportioned to three in length for two across. This cross shape can be observed in the very basic elevation of any church or cathedral built in the Middle Ages.
The numeral three has another very significant meaning in Freemasonry. It is the code used in the freemason’s alphabet and dictionary to replace key words by their initial followed by three points arranged in a triangle. Sometimes it is also used as a discreet recognition symbol between freemasons. Most commonly, the three points are spread so discreetly into the signature of a freemason, that only another freemason would notice their presence.
In France, the three-point symbol became such a standard recognition mode in the 18th century that the freemasons called themselves “Les Frères Trois-Points” (The Three Point’s brothers). As discussed in Numeral Two above, once a journeyman obtained his status of Compagnon, and only then, was he authorized to use the three-point