You might know the pug as a dog breed that’s known for their cheerful, loyal, and affectionate characteristics. This breed is ancient, dating back to 400 B.C. It’s widely agreed that pugs originated from China, where they were companion animals for the wealthy. Those wrinkled faces were purposely bred that way to intimate the Chinese character “王”, which means “prince.”
Eventually, the pug’s popularity had spread to Japan, Russia, and Europe, where they belonged with people in the upper class. So what is the Order of the Pug? Surely it has something to do with pugs, right?
Eventually, the pug’s popularity had spread to Japan, Russia, and Europe, where they belonged with people in the upper class. So what is the Order of the Pug? Surely it has something to do with pugs, right?
A Secret Society
Many secret societies formed and dissolved throughout history in mysterious ways. With few documents, it is impossible to find out what had really happened. Some believe that secret societies have controlled the world, while some believe that they can explain otherwise unexplainable events. Nonetheless, their identities, rules, ceremonies, origins, and much more will remain forever unknown. Among the many secret societies of old, the Order of the Pug remains as one of the most interesting.
Freemasonry
Freemasonry is the world's oldest secret fraternal, or men-only group where each member, a Freemason, practices fellowship, moral discipline, and mutual assistance. Some of its rituals, ceremonies, and activities are hidden from the public. Due to its mysteriousness, many believed that the organization's practices were clannish and even sinister.
This is not true, however. As a worldwide organization with a long and complex history, its members have included scientists, leaders, philosophers, and many more. Today, though still relevant, Freemasonry is in decline, but back in the 17th and 18th centuries, it was the moment when it spread and flourished.
Freemasonry is the world's oldest secret fraternal, or men-only group where each member, a Freemason, practices fellowship, moral discipline, and mutual assistance. Some of its rituals, ceremonies, and activities are hidden from the public. Due to its mysteriousness, many believed that the organization's practices were clannish and even sinister.
This is not true, however. As a worldwide organization with a long and complex history, its members have included scientists, leaders, philosophers, and many more. Today, though still relevant, Freemasonry is in decline, but back in the 17th and 18th centuries, it was the moment when it spread and flourished.
The Papal Bull
Not to be confused with “Paypal”, the Papal Bull meant the most important documents signed by the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Due to the huge impact the mysterious fraternity had back then, the Catholic Church eventually decided to blacklist it in fear of a philosophical rebellion.
Their priority was to ensure that no more people joined the organization, so in 1738, Catholics would be banned from becoming a Freemason by order of Pope Clement XII. Would they not obey, and the punishment would be excommunication, or the removal of someone from a communion of believers.
The Order of the Pug
Founded by Clemens August in 1740, it was a direct response against the Catholic Church’s ban. Members were mainly Freemasons from Germany, and to join, one had to be a Roman Catholic; though women could join as well.
The Pug was chosen as a symbol for loyalty and trust which each member had to have in order to deny the ban from the Pope. To join the Order of the Pug, one had to have the characteristics of a pug; that is, discretion, tenderness, kindness, and love, and also pass the initiation ritual.
The ritual was a strange one. New members had to get down on all fours wearing a dog collar and paw the entrance until they were allowed to be in. After entering, they were blindfolded and led to a common room with many decorations of the pug symbol, where a group of leaders and senior members barked at them.
Their priority was to ensure that no more people joined the organization, so in 1738, Catholics would be banned from becoming a Freemason by order of Pope Clement XII. Would they not obey, and the punishment would be excommunication, or the removal of someone from a communion of believers.
The Order of the Pug
Founded by Clemens August in 1740, it was a direct response against the Catholic Church’s ban. Members were mainly Freemasons from Germany, and to join, one had to be a Roman Catholic; though women could join as well.
The Pug was chosen as a symbol for loyalty and trust which each member had to have in order to deny the ban from the Pope. To join the Order of the Pug, one had to have the characteristics of a pug; that is, discretion, tenderness, kindness, and love, and also pass the initiation ritual.
The ritual was a strange one. New members had to get down on all fours wearing a dog collar and paw the entrance until they were allowed to be in. After entering, they were blindfolded and led to a common room with many decorations of the pug symbol, where a group of leaders and senior members barked at them.
To end the ritual, they had to kiss a porcelain, or china pug at its hind side. Then, towards the end of each day, group members would always promise that they would never share in any way the practices and secrets of the Order of the Pug.
Its Downfall
Was every promise held? We’ll never know, but the truth was that in 1745, Pérau published a book titled L’Ordre des francs-maçons trahi et le secret des Mopses révélé, which revealed all of the secrets of the organization. Having no authority as backup, the Order of the Pug quickly dissolved, with its lifespan even shorter than the average lifespan of the pug itself.
Its Downfall
Was every promise held? We’ll never know, but the truth was that in 1745, Pérau published a book titled L’Ordre des francs-maçons trahi et le secret des Mopses révélé, which revealed all of the secrets of the organization. Having no authority as backup, the Order of the Pug quickly dissolved, with its lifespan even shorter than the average lifespan of the pug itself.