| Record | OBS-0177 |
|---|---|
| Category | Secret Societies/Groups |
| Status | DEBUNKED |
| Summary | A popular theory claims that Freemason symbols are secretly embedded in everyday objects, such as the U.S. dollar bill, street layouts, and corporate logos, as a form of hidden communication. Proponents point to the Eye of Providence and pyramid on the Great Seal as evidence. Historians explain these symbols have non-Masonic origins and were adopted by Freemasons later. |
| Origin | The theory gained traction in the 20th century, particularly with the addition of the Great Seal to the dollar bill in 1935. |
| Claimed |
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| Evidence / consensus | The Eye of Providence and pyramid predate their use by Freemasons and were chosen for the Great Seal to represent divine providence and the new nation. The Great Seal was added to the dollar bill in 1935 by President Roosevelt, a Freemason, but not for Masonic reasons. No evidence supports hidden messages in city layouts or logos. |
Sources are external and provided for verification. Listing does not imply the Observer endorses their claims.