During this station of the naturalization, the blindfolded candidate is guided to stand on a chair as a noose is placed upon his neck and tightened. The person is then asked if he/she trusts the noose-man and is instructed to step off the chair in an act of faith.
Throughout the rituals, proposed Klansmen/Klanswomen are blindfolded, and then with one arm placed on the shoulder of the person before them, they are led through the woods at a sometimes-vigorous pace. The link is not to be broken as they are questioned on Klan history and intimidated occasionally with the sound of a firearm.
According to Klan beliefs, the "hazing" actually has symbolic purpose, and builds mutual trust, loyalty and reveals personal bravery and dedication.Candidates wishing to become citizens of the Ku Klux Klan take part in a Naturalization ceremony. There are some parts of the ceremony that many might at first mistake for a "hazing". Proposed Klansmen are blindfolded, and then with one arm placed on the shoulder of the man before him, led through the woods at a sometimes-vigorous pace. The link is not to be broken as they are questioned on Klan history and intimidated occasionally with the sound of a firearm. According to Klan beliefs, the "hazing" actually has symbolic purpose, and builds mutual trust, loyalty and reveals personal bravery and dedication. Missouri.
Members and supporting Klan realms from five different states came together for a two-day weekend of racial unity. The gathering included BBQ’s, a raffle (shown here), fellowship, an award ceremony and a Klan naturalization. A historical cannon was fired every hour on the hour during daylight hours, until local neighbors complained. Saturday evening closed with a cross lighting ceremony which, according to Klan ideology, dispels darkness and ignorance. Due to a statewide burn ban; the lighting was carried out with Christmas tree lights.
A Ku Klux Klan wedding ceremony in Walker, La., on August 30, 2008. The couple were wed by a chaplin Klan member (Kludd), where vows and custom Klan rings were exchanged during a cross lighting. This second cross lighting took place immediately following a group cross lighting ceremony - signifying the light of Christ and also meant to bring spiritual truth to a world that is blinded by misinformation and darkness.
A Ku Klux Klan Labor Day gathering in rural Arkansas, on Saturday, Sept. 1, 2007. Members and supporting Klan realms from five different states came together for a three-day weekend of racial unity. The gathering included BBQ?s, games, fellowship, an award ceremony and a Klan naturalization. A historical cannon was fired every hour on the hour during daylight hours, until local neighbors complained. Saturday evening closed with a cross lighting ceremony which, according to Klan beliefs, dispels darkness and ignorance. Due to a statewide burn ban, the lighting was done with Christmas tree lights.
“Klan cologne” a mixture of Kerosene (or diesel fuel) mixed with a small amount of motor oil is poured onto a burlap wrapped cross in preparation for a cross lighting ceremony. According to Klan beliefs, the purpose of the lighting is to signify the light of Christ and is also meant to bring spiritual truth to a world that is blinded by misinformation and darkness.
A Ku Klux Klan wedding ceremony in Walker, La., on August 30, 2008. The couple were wed by a Chaplin Klan member, where vows and custom Klan rings were exchanged during a cross lighting. This second cross lighting took place immediately following a group cross lighting ceremony - signifying the light of Christ and also meant to bring spiritual truth to a world that is blinded by misinformation and darkness.
Klan members participating in a Cross lighting ceremony form a circle with torches as they prepare to ignite the base of an 18-foot wooded cross, wrapped in burlap and soaked with kerosene.
According to Klan beliefs, the light of the cross symbolizes the light of Christ dispelling darkness and ignorance. The Klan adopted the fiery cross from the traditions of old Scotland where the fiery cross was used as a symbol against tyranny and for the fight for freedom.The original Ku Klux Klan was founded here on December 24th, 1865 at the law office of Judge Thomas M. Jones. Pulaski, Tennessee.
The “Jolly Six” as they referred to themselves were former Confederate Army veterans. In 1917, the Daughters of the Confederacy placed this bronze plaque on the building to commemorate the Klan’s original gathering. The plaque remained on the building for over 70 years, until it the building was purchased in 1990 and the new owner reversed it with text facing inwards.
The plaque reads –
KU KLUX KLAN
ORGANIZED IN THIS,
THE LAW OFFICE OF
JUDGE THOMAS M. JONES,
DECEMBER 24TH, 1885
NAME OF ORIGINAL ORGANIZERS
CALVIN E. JONES. JOHN B. KENNEDY.
FRANK O. MCCORD. JOHN C. LESTER.
RICHARD R. REED. JAMES R. CROWE.