Who are the Odd Fellows? Some background info & history.

Example of Odd Fellows Regalia used in a outfit, and Odd Fellows Royal Guard Uniform Illustrations.

I talk about The Oddfellows frequently because of the many different beautiful and strange ceremonial objects that were made for their group. While originally their regalia, costumes, and vestments make for interesting additions to a vintage wardrobe, particularly those with a dolly kei bent. Also the collars, pins, and shriner's hats are popular accessories with the Grimoire shop girls.

While I claim no expertise in the subject, I vaguely know their background. There isn't much information online, so I'm going to have a find a history book somewhere to fill in the details.

Odd fellows started a fraternity of "odd fellows" in small villages in Europe, who had too few in numbers to start their own guild of trade. They formed a raggedy crew of differently talented individuals and from here they grew to become a large group that promotes community and charity. Eventually the fraternity moved to the US as well. They are very similar to Freemasons.

They have many symbols they use within their group but the most prominent ones that I have noticed on costumes and regalia are: three entwined chains, a hand holding a heart, a beehive, an eye, and the eastern star which looks like an inverted pentagram.

The Rebekah group seem to be a teenage fraternity, and sometimes a women's group. Their symbols are the moon, a dove, a lavender flower, a beehive, and use most of the other odd fellow symbols as well.

As I learn more information and background information I will blog about it. If you have any information or books to recommend don't hesitate to comment and message me!

Vintage Styles: Oddfellows Oddities

Recently I've stumbled across some strange finds on ebay for oddfellows items. Sure the typical robe and regalia passes through ebay... but these items are something else.

The top mask is listed as 1890s ODD FELLOWS painted mesh mask By DeMoulin Bros. I'm not quite sure what its use would be, perhaps some kind of ceremonial object? Very strange and very creepy.

Regalia is fairly easy to come by, but this particular collar is unique to what I normally see listed. Silver color and metallic prints is fairly uncommon, as opposed to the typical red with embroidery.

What a beautiful book! I couldn't resist putting it up here despite the staggering price.

And my favorite... these comical numbered "watch" uniforms! (oddfellows have different classes, such as guard, watch, king, high priest, ext. Depending on what class you are you where different uniforms). I like trying to imagine what kind of scenario would call for such a uniform. I can only hope its the oddfellows extended version of Dr. Suess's thing one and thing two.