What Is the Heroines of Jericho Crown? History, Meaning & Symbolism Explained
Among the many beautiful pieces of Masonic regalia worn across fraternal organizations in the United States, few carry as rich a biblical heritage as the Heroines of Jericho crown. Elegant in design, layered in scriptural symbolism, and worn by some of the most dedicated women in the Masonic family, the HOJ crown is a piece of regalia that demands a closer look.
Whether you are a new member of a Heroines of Jericho court, a Royal Arch Mason researching the affiliated bodies, or simply someone curious about Masonic women's regalia, this guide covers everything you need to know — from the founding history of the Order to the precise symbolism woven into every detail of the crown itself.
What Is the Heroines of Jericho?
The Order of the Heroines of Jericho (OHJ) is a Masonic-appendant body associated with the Royal Arch Chapter. In the United States, it is open to Royal Arch Masons and their qualified female relatives — wives, daughters, mothers, sisters, and widows. The organization exists to extend the bonds of the Royal Arch Chapter into a mixed fellowship and to connect its members to the powerful biblical narrative at its heart.
The Order draws its name and inspiration from the Book of Joshua, specifically the story of Rahab of Jericho — a woman who sheltered two Israelite spies sent by Joshua to scout the fortified city of Jericho before the Israelites' crossing into Canaan. Rahab's act of courage and faith, symbolized by a scarlet cord she hung from her window as a mark of protection, saved her household when Jericho fell. That scarlet cord is one of the most enduring symbols in the entire Heroines of Jericho tradition.
The Order of the Heroines of Jericho operates under the Supreme Court of the Heroines of Jericho in the United States and holds courts attached to Royal Arch Chapters across the country. Each local court elects or appoints officers in a structure that mirrors the language and traditions of the biblical story — the presiding female officer holds the title of Most Excellent Chief, and other officers carry titles connected to the narrative of Jericho.
The Biblical Foundation: Rahab and the Scarlet Thread
To understand the Heroines of Jericho crown meaning, you must first understand the story that gives the Order its purpose.
In the Book of Joshua (Chapter 2), Joshua sends two spies to scout Jericho, the first great fortified city standing between the Israelites and the Promised Land. The spies take shelter in the house of Rahab, a woman of Jericho who lived in the city walls. When the King of Jericho learns of the spies and sends soldiers to capture them, Rahab hides the men under bundles of flax on her rooftop and misdirects the soldiers.
Before the spies depart, Rahab makes a covenant with them: she has shown them kindness, and she asks that kindness to be returned when Joshua's army takes the city. The spies agree — on the condition that she binds a scarlet cord in the window through which she lowers them to safety. This cord will mark her household for protection when Jericho falls.
When the walls of Jericho collapse (Joshua 6), Rahab and her family are the only inhabitants spared. Her household is saved because of the scarlet cord and because of the covenant she kept with the spies.
This story gives the Heroines of Jericho its foundational themes: faithfulness, courage, protection, and covenant. Every element of HOJ regalia — including the crown — is designed to reflect these themes and to honor Rahab's legacy.
What Is the Heroines of Jericho Crown?
The Heroines of Jericho crown is the ceremonial headpiece worn by officers and past officers of HOJ courts during meetings, degree work, and official functions. Like crowns in other Masonic bodies — OES, DOI, Amaranth — the HOJ crown serves as a visual marker of office and an embodiment of the Order's symbolism.
The crown is worn primarily by:
- The Most Excellent Chief — the presiding officer of the court, equivalent to the Worthy Matron in an OES chapter
- Past Most Excellent Chiefs — sisters who have completed a term of service and earned a permanent crown as a mark of honor
- Other elected officers — depending on the court's traditions and jurisdiction, additional officers may wear crowns appropriate to their rank
The HOJ crown is distinct from OES and other Masonic women's crowns. While it shares the broader language of ceremonial regalia — metallic construction, decorative embellishments, adjustable inner bands — its specific design elements are rooted in the Jericho narrative rather than in the five-pointed Eastern Star tradition.
Heroines of Jericho Crown Symbolism: What Every Element Means
Understanding the Heroines of Jericho crown meaning requires looking closely at its design elements. Each component is intentional and carries a connection to the Order's biblical and fraternal heritage.
The Scarlet Cord
Red or scarlet is the dominant color associated with the Heroines of Jericho, drawn directly from the scarlet cord that saved Rahab's household. Many HOJ crowns incorporate red or crimson accents — in ribbon trim, gemstone colors, or enamel details — as a direct reference to this symbol. When you see red on an HOJ crown, it is not decorative coincidence. It is Rahab's cord, woven into the regalia itself.
The scarlet cord also represents the bond of covenant — a promise made and kept even under the most extreme circumstances. In Masonic tradition, faithfulness to one's obligations is foundational, and Rahab's cord is one of the most vivid illustrations of that principle in all of scripture.
The Crown Form Itself
The wearing of a crown in the Heroines of Jericho context draws on two layers of meaning. First, it signals office and authority within the court, just as it does in any Masonic body where crowns are part of the regalia system. Second, it carries a deeper resonance with the story of Jericho itself — the walls of that ancient, powerful city fell, and from the rubble, Rahab's household stood protected. The crown worn by a Heroine of Jericho honors the dignity and courage of that protection.
Metalwork and Construction
HOJ crowns are typically crafted in gold or silver metallic finishes, reflecting the precious quality of the covenant they symbolize. The metalwork may feature architectural motifs — arches, walls, gates — referencing the walled city of Jericho and the Royal Arch Masonry tradition to which the Order is attached.
Embellishments and Gemstones
Higher-quality HOJ crowns feature rhinestones, crystals, or semi-precious stone accents in colors meaningful to the Order. Crimson or red stones reference the scarlet cord. White or clear stones may reference purity of covenant. Gold-toned metallic settings reference the honor of service.
Inscriptions and Personalization
Many HOJ Past Most Excellent Chief crowns are personalized with the officer's name, court name and number, and year of service. This personalization transforms the crown from a ceremonial object into a permanent personal heirloom — a lasting record of the sister's dedication to her court and to the Order.
Who Wears the Heroines of Jericho Crown?
Not every member of an HOJ court wears a crown. Crown-wearing in most US HOJ courts follows a pattern similar to OES:
The Most Excellent Chief wears a crown during her active term. This crown is often provided by the court or purchased specifically for the term of office. It is bold and prominently designed, reflecting active leadership.
Past Most Excellent Chiefs wear their own personal Past Chief crown at all subsequent court functions. This crown is earned through completion of a term of service and becomes a permanent part of the sister's regalia wardrobe. It is one of the most treasured pieces a Heroine of Jericho can own.
Other principal officers — depending on the court and jurisdiction — may also wear crowns appropriate to their station. Some courts dress all officers in crowns; others reserve crown-wearing for the chief officer and past chiefs only. Always confirm your specific court's practice with your installing officer or court secretary.
HOJ Crown vs OES Crown: Understanding the Difference
Because many sisters are members of both OES chapters and HOJ courts, a common question is how the HOJ crown differs from an OES crown.
The distinctions are meaningful:
Biblical foundation. The OES crown draws from the symbolism of five biblical heroines represented by the five-pointed Eastern Star. The HOJ crown draws from a single, specific narrative — Rahab and the scarlet cord of Jericho. This gives the HOJ crown a more focused symbolic language.
Color palette. OES crowns incorporate all five OES colors — blue, yellow, white, green, and red — to represent the five points of the star. HOJ crowns emphasize red and crimson as dominant colors, with gold and white as supporting elements. The color language is narrower and more specific.
Organizational affiliation. The OES is affiliated with the Blue Lodge through a broadly open membership structure. The Heroines of Jericho is specifically attached to the Royal Arch Chapter, meaning its membership is connected to that particular branch of York Rite Masonry. This gives the HOJ crown a more specific fraternal context.
Design language. OES crowns frequently feature the prominent five-pointed star as a central design element. HOJ crowns may incorporate arch or wall motifs, cord details, or other references to the Jericho narrative that set them visually apart from Eastern Star regalia.
Despite these differences, both crowns are worn with the same sense of pride and purpose — as markers of service, membership, and devotion to the Order's values.
Choosing the Right HOJ Crown: What to Look For
If you are purchasing a Heroines of Jericho crown — whether for a term as Most Excellent Chief or as a Past Chief crown honoring completed service — here are the key factors to consider.
Accurate Color Representation
An HOJ crown should reflect the Order's color tradition. Look for crowns that incorporate crimson or red accents as dominant colors, with gold metallic finishes. Avoid crowns that use generic multi-color arrangements not connected to HOJ symbolism.
Quality of Craftsmanship
Your crown will be worn repeatedly over many years. Prioritize crowns with:
- Secure rhinestone or crystal settings that will not shed embellishments after a few wearings
- Durable metallic finishes that resist tarnishing
- A sturdy construction that holds its shape meeting after meeting
Adjustable Fit
A quality HOJ crown should feature an adjustable inner band. Measure your head circumference — approximately one inch above the eyebrows — before purchasing, and verify that the crown's size range accommodates your measurement comfortably.
Personalization for Past Chief Crowns
If you are purchasing a Past Most Excellent Chief crown, look for a supplier who offers personalization — engraving or embroidery of your name, court name and number, and year of service. A personalized Past Chief crown is a piece of regalia you will treasure for life.
Crown Case
Never purchase a crown without also securing a crown case. HOJ crowns, like all ceremonial Masonic crowns, require proper storage to maintain their shape, protect their embellishments, and keep the inner band in good condition. A quality crown case is an essential investment alongside the crown itself.
Caring for Your HOJ Crown
The Heroines of Jericho crown is a ceremonial investment. Treat it accordingly.
After every meeting: Gently dust the crown with a soft, dry cloth or a clean makeup brush to remove any dust, hairspray residue, or surface oils. Store it immediately in its crown case.
Rhinestone and crystal care: Never submerge your crown in water. Moisture loosens the adhesives that hold rhinestones in place. If cleaning is needed, use a dry or barely barely damp cloth on non-embellished areas only.
Inner band maintenance: Check the adjustable inner band regularly for signs of wear. A stretched or frayed inner band will cause the crown to sit incorrectly. If the band needs replacing, a skilled regalia supplier can assist with repairs.
Long-term storage: Store your crown case in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Prolonged sun exposure can fade color accents and degrade metallic finishes over time.
Shop Heroines of Jericho Crowns at TrendWall
TrendWall carries a dedicated selection of HOJ crowns for US members, designed to honor the symbolism and tradition of the Order of the Heroines of Jericho. Whether you are outfitting a new court officer, purchasing a Past Chief crown, or replacing a worn piece of regalia, our HOJ crown collection is crafted with quality materials and authentic design elements.
Pair your crown with a protective crown case to ensure your regalia stays in perfect condition for every court meeting and special function.
Shop HOJ Crowns Browse All Masonic Crowns View OES Crowns Shop Crown Cases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Heroines of Jericho crown represent? The HOJ crown represents faithful service within the Order of the Heroines of Jericho and honors the biblical story of Rahab of Jericho, whose courage and covenant with the Israelite spies is symbolized by the scarlet cord. The crown signals office or past service and embodies the Order's values of faithfulness, courage, and protection.
Who is eligible to wear a Heroines of Jericho crown? In most US HOJ courts, the Most Excellent Chief and Past Most Excellent Chiefs wear crowns. Additional officers may also wear crowns depending on the court's jurisdiction and traditions. Membership in a HOJ court requires a connection to a Royal Arch Mason — typically through a family relationship.
How is the HOJ crown different from an OES crown? The HOJ crown draws its symbolism from the specific story of Rahab and Jericho, with red and crimson as dominant colors reflecting the scarlet cord. The OES crown draws from five biblical heroines and incorporates all five OES colors. The organizations are also affiliated differently — OES connects to Blue Lodge Masonry while HOJ connects to Royal Arch Chapter.
Can a sister be a member of both OES and HOJ? Yes, and many women in the US Masonic family hold membership in both organizations. Each organization has its own regalia, including separate crowns. A Past Matron in OES and a Past Chief in HOJ would wear each organization's appropriate crown at their respective meetings.
Does the HOJ crown need to be personalized? Personalization is not required, but it is a beloved tradition for Past Most Excellent Chief crowns. A crown engraved with your name, court, and year of service becomes a permanent personal heirloom that commemorates your leadership.
How should I store my HOJ crown? Always store your HOJ crown in a dedicated crown case when not in use. Never place it loose in a bag with other regalia items, as the pressure will damage the shape and embellishments. TrendWall carries crown cases specifically designed for Masonic ceremonial crowns.
Final Thoughts
The Heroines of Jericho crown is far more than a piece of ceremonial headwear. It is a symbol rooted in one of the most compelling stories in the Hebrew scriptures — a story of a woman who risked everything on the strength of a covenant, marked by a single scarlet cord, and whose household was saved when the walls of Jericho came down.
Every time a Heroine of Jericho places her crown, she is connecting herself to that heritage. She is honoring Rahab's courage, the faithfulness of the covenant, and the enduring tradition of an Order that has carried that story forward for generations of Masonic women across the United States.
Whether you are new to the Order or a longtime member looking to deepen your understanding of your regalia, knowing the meaning behind your crown enriches every meeting you attend and every degree you witness.
TrendWall ships HOJ crowns and Masonic regalia across the United States. Browse our full collection at trendwall.shop/category/masonic-crowns.