Symbolism of Charcoal
By Wor. H. Meij
We learn in the first degree lecture, that EA’s serve their Masters with “Freedom,
Fervency and Zeal”, symbolized by chalk, charcoal and
clay. Why charcoal?
In many cultures, charcoal was seen as a wondrous substance, for it
made possible the use of metals. Its fervency, or great heat, was critical to
refining progressively harder and harder metals, from lead to copper, brass to bronze, and
iron to steel. In the lecture we learn that “Nothing is more fervent than Charcoal, to
which, when well ignited, the most obdurate metals will yield.” It is interesting and
instructive that the term “obdurate” carries the meanings “hardened in wickedness”,
“persistently impenitent”, and “resisting or insensible to moral influence”. Thus
a second service is expected of our Brother, namely to ignite himself in his search for a
better moral foundation and strive to fit himself for the Builder’s use.
The Romans
marked festive days on their calendats with lime (or white chalk) and unlucky days with
charcoal, perhaps herein lie one association often made in many cultures that
black=unlucky, white = lucky.
A Korean tradition is to wait twenty-one days
before visiting a new mother and child. All visitations are restricted during this time
period, and ropes are hung across the gate to keep people out. These ropes, called kumchul
(or geumjul), are decorated according to the sex of the child. Charcoal, white paper, and
pine needles let people know that a girl has been born; charcoal and red paper (sometimes
peppers) signify that a boy has been born to the family. The charcoal symbolizes
cleanliness, red symbolizes the male, pine needles symbolize chastity in women, and white
is to prevent impurities from entering the house. 
Charcoal is also a symbol of absorption, coming from the same physical
properties it possesses, and hence was often used as a symbol of quick absorption of
thoughts and lessons. It is the porosity of wood charcoal that explains why it floats on
the surface of water, although it is actually denser. This also accounts for its ability
to readily absorb gases and liquids; charcoal is often used to filter water or absorb
odors. Its pharmacological action depends on the same property; it absorbs the gases of
the stomach
and intestines,
and also liquids and solids (hence its use in the treatment of certain poisonings).
Charcoal filters are used in some types of gas
mask to remove poisonous gases from inhaled air.
To dream of charcoal unlighted, denotes miserable situations and bleak
unhappiness. If it is burning with glowing coals, there is prospects of great enhancement
of fortune, and possession of unalloyed joys.
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