What is a Shriner?
The history of Shriners International is the story of individuals who came together in the spirit of fellowship and fun.
These inspired passionate men formed a worldwide fraternity of brotherhood and established a globally recognized pediatric health care system that changes lives.
The many impressive accomplishments Shriners have achieved over the past 148 years proved that when people work tirelessly for the cause they believe in - with little interest in personal gain - the impact can make an indelible, and undeniable, difference.
The Man Behind the Fez
While many of you have seen a Shriner, either in a community parade, circus, or event adorned with the famous red “hat” (known as a Fez), many may be unaware of the history of the organization and its dedicated efforts to provide expert pediatric specialty care to children in need.
The Shriner's Creed
-Shriners Believe in God and that He created man to serve His purposes, among which is service to others in His name.
​
-We believe that care for the less fortunate, especially children suffering from burns and crippling diseases, is our institutional calling.
​
-We are patriots, each willing to serve his country with fidelity and courage. We cherish independence under law and freedom with responsibility.
​
-We honor family. We respect our parents, wives and children. We should instill in our children the tenets of this creed and the heritage from which it emanates.
​
-As individuals, we pledge ourselves to integrity, virtue and nobility of character. Our intentions will be honorable, our relations will be trustworthy and our spirits forgiving of each other.
​
-As brothers, we offer each other fraternal affection and respect. Together, we will support each other in adherence to this creed, so that we and our communities will be the better because of our fraternity and its principles.
​
-As Shriners, we look beyond ourselves to serve the needs of others, especially children who can not help themselves. We believe Shriners Hospitals to be the world’s greatest philanthropy and we covenant with each other to support its “Temples of Mercy” with spirit, time, talent and means.
The Emblem
The Crescent was adopted as the Jewel of the Order. Though any materials can be used in forming the Crescent, the most valuable are the claws of a royal Bengal Tiger, United at their Base in a gold setting. In the center is the head of a sphinx and on the back are a pyramid, an urn and a star.
The Jewel bears the motto, "Robur et Furor" which means "Strength and Fury". Today, the Shrine emblem includes a scimitar from which the crescent hangs, and a five-pointed star beneath the head of the sphinx.
The Fez
Shriners are well known for their distinctive Red Fezzes, the fraternity’s official head covering.
​
Nobles wear their fezzes when representing Shriners International at stated meetings, parades, special events and other Shrine related activities.
​
The Fez derives its name from the place where it was first manufactured - the City of Fez, Morocco.
