What Do They Pour Over Foundation Stones?

Holy Water

• The Catholic Church has a long history of performing rituals over the cornerstones of churches. These blessings, which began more than 1,000 years ago, involve saying prayers and pouring holy water over the foundation stone. Ceremonies celebrating the start of construction of important buildings go back even further. The ancient Romans also poured holy water over the foundations of public buildings, such as the Temple of Jupiter. A ceremony of this type was recorded during the time of the emperor Vespasian in the first century.

Corn

• The Freemasons, a fraternal society dating back to the 17th century, have a history of performing ritualistic ceremonies when laying foundation stones. They pour or place various materials or liquids, each of which has a symbolic meaning, over the cornerstone. One of these objects, corn, represents the horn of plenty, an ancient symbol of prosperity, a good harvest and the abundance of food.

Wine

• Freemason rituals also make use of wine. When poured on the foundation stone, wine symbolizes refreshment. The wine has an important secular significance, as it suggests that those who live who perform their duties in life will be rewarded. It also has an important religious symbolism, since it's a reminder of the reward that an individual will receive after this life, when all of his earthly travails have come to an end.

Oil

• The third substance poured onto cornerstones in Freemason ceremonies, oil, has been used in many types of rituals for thousands of years. Olive oil, for instance, was considered a symbol of purification in ancient times and was often used in rituals involving powerful leaders. Oil is also a symbol of happiness and sets apart the object being anointed for special consideration and attention. Oil can represent the healing of wounds, as well.