Red: One of the primary colors; also the color of the Third Veil of the Royal Arch Chapter, where it symbolizes the fervency and zeal which should actuate all Royal Arch Masons. The English ritual refers to it as one of the "old colors of Freemasonry," the others being blue and purple; American Freemasonry adds the white, but, strictly speaking, white is not a color. In ancient times, purple, red and blue designated royalty. In some jurisdictions the red is referred to as crimson, yet it has the same use and meaning. Red also symbolizes fire, which was one of the early elements; fire is an emblem of regeneration, and those who pass through the Royal Arch ceremonies should undergo a purification of life and a regeneration of the soul. [Contributed by Richard Eades, from Ray V. Denslow’s A Royal Arch Encyclopedia]