The Blue Slipper Pin
The Masonic slipper pin is a small lapel pin in the shape of a blue slipper.
Masonic Slipper
Many wives, daughters and widows wear one of these slippers on a coat or dress when traveling alone. For many years this pin has served to identify loved ones of
Masons to other members of the craft. The origin of this symbol comes from the book of Ruth and is as follows:
"Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all
things; a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbor: and this was a testimony in Israel."
The law of such a case is given at large in Deuteronomy 25:5-9. It was simply this: if a brother, who had married a wife,
died without children, the eldest brother was to take the widow, and raise up a family to the brother deceased; and he
had a right to redeem the inheritance, if it had been alienated.
In the Book Of Ruth, a kinsman drew off his shoe and gave it to Boaz and Boaz held it up for all in the gate to see.
He asked them to be witnesses that he became Naomi's protector, Ruth's husband, and a redeemer of Elimelech's property.
Thus, today we have the little blue slipper as an emblem of the protective influence of Masons for their wives,
daughters and widows.
Masonic Slipper