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The Knights of Pythias is a fraternal organization and secret society 〔Carnahan, James R. ''Pythian Knighthood: Its History and Literature, 2nd Ed, Revised and Enlarged.'' The Pettibone Manufacturing Company, Fraternity Publishers, Cincinnati, 1892.〕 founded in Washington, D.C., on 19 February 1864. The Knights of Pythias was the first fraternal organization to receive a charter under an act of the United States Congress.〔Approved May 5, 1870 [16 Stat. at L. 98, chap. 80]〕 It was founded by Justus H. Rathbone, who had been inspired by a play by the Irish poet John Banim about the legend of Damon and Pythias. This legend illustrates the ideals of loyalty, honor and friendship that are the center of the order. The order has over 2,000 lodges in the United States and around the world, with a total membership of over 50,000 in 2003. Some lodges meet in structures referred to as Pythian Castles. ==History== Early in the group's history, when a man was inducted into the Knights of Pythias he received a ceremonial sword.〔Glickman, Lawrence B. ''Consumer Society in American History: A Reader.'' Ithaca, N.Y.: Cornell University Press, 1999, p. 223.〕 Such swords might be given to a Pythian by family members, business associates, or others as a token of esteem. In recent decades, rather than require each member to own a sword, the local chapter maintains a collection of swords for use by its members. Long, narrow swords are generally used in public during parades and drills, while short swords are used in displays. Markings on swords varied widely. Most swords were inscribed with the acronym "FCB," which stands for the Pythian motto ("Friendship, Charity, Benevolence"). Images on swords were also somewhat common, and included: A man, woman and child (symbolic of Pythias saying good-bye to his family); a man looking out of a building, with a group of people below (symbolic of Damon's pending execution); a man between some pillars, pulling them down (similar to Samson destroying his enemy's temple); or various types of weapons (swords, axes, hammers, etc.). A full Knight of the Pythian order often inscribed his sword with the image of a knight's helmet with a lion on the crest. Many also carried the image of a sprig of myrtle (the Pythian symbol of love) or a falcon (the Pythian symbol of vigilance). 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Knights of Pythias」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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