Knotted cord

The twelve- knot cord is a simple tool that allows you a right angle - ie an angle of 90 ° - may represent. It is based on the Pythagorean theorem, or more precisely its inverse, after which a flat triangle has a right angle, if the square on the longest side has the same area as the squares on the two shorter sides together.

The cord is divided by twelve knots into twelve equal sections; the twelfth node it connects the beginning to the end of the string. Alternatively, a cord is used, in which one builds first thirteen knots at equal intervals; said first and thirteenth node are then connected with a nail. Now one stretches the cord to form a triangle with side lengths. The edge lengths satisfy the Pythagorean theorem (), which is why there is a right angle between the two shorter sides of the triangle.

Also can be constructed with the Twelve knot cord the Golden Section, but only approximately (ratio 5:8 or 8:13 ).

Knitting tension in Ancient Egypt

At the foundation of temples in ancient Egypt used the priestly profession of Harpedonapten measuring cords. In many books there is the statement that they are also twelve knotted strings used to construct a right angle. There are some historical sources, which can be interpreted as a confirmation of this theory, but the majority of mathematics historian of 20th and 21st century rejects this interpretation

Starting point for the presumption was the first band of Moritz Cantor's " Lectures on the History of Mathematics". Cantor writes:

This thought experiment was further used by other authors, but its hypothetical character was partially ignored.

Freemasonry

In Freemasonry, the measuring chain, looped string or cord association with twelve knots symbolized as a figure 8 (∞ ) ( lemniscate ) the endless Masonic brother chain connecting all Freemasons all over the world together. The symbols of the work table or the Tapis the Apprentice degree are of a Love Rope (Hos 11.4 EU) enclosed with four nodes, which represent the four cardinal virtues. One of widening node represents the apprentice, an immigrating to the node, which has already reached the journeyman level. The nodes also symbolize the individual Freemason, he is an equal among equals and are, as a master at the end of his journey, his experience with the apprentice on. The cord can also be found on the walls of the Masonic Temple, which symbolizes the Solomonic temple of humanity, whose blocks are to be the people working on themselves.

Facilities of Solomon's Temple was a "sea " which (also see: Hiram Abif ) by Hiram was made and " measured ten cubits from one brim to the other; it was perfectly round, and five cubits high. A line of thirty cubits around it could encompass. " In this specification is indirectly the holy three as an approximation to the circle number. The circle is therefore used as a symbol of heaven and perfection. With a point in it is the number of characters of one and a symbol of the sun, of God and of individuality.

The foundation of every Masonic Lodge is in the form of a rectangular elongated rectangle of " east to west, between north and south, from the zenith to the nadir ," whereby the universality of Freemasonry is to be symbolized. The triangle pointing upwards represents the sacred constructive principle ( see also Eye of Providence ). The Twelve is thus the number of completion, because it connects the earthly number four the order with the Holy Trinity and represents both the end as a new beginning of an eternal journey, which fall is symbolized by the twelve knot cord, but also by the Ouroboros.

Like the twelve- knot cord divides the circle into twelve sections, the day is divided into twice twelve hours. A Masonic ceremony begins symbolically at noon and ends at midnight. ( See also: Vierundzwanzigzölliger scale. )

The English Masonic ritual also called the mason apron as older and more valuable than the Golden Fleece, Jason went to their search with the Twelve Argonauts.