Secret society facts for kids
A secret society is a group of people that keeps its activities and members a secret. These groups often have special rituals, symbols, and ways of communicating that only their members know. It can be hard to find proof that a secret society exists because they try to stay hidden.
One famous example is the Illuminati. This group started in 1776 in Germany. It was a group of thinkers who wanted to use reason and science to make society better. They were against the power of the church and the government at the time. The Illuminati officially ended in 1785. However, some people still believe the Illuminati secretly control big businesses, banks, and even powerful individuals today. There is no real proof for these ideas.
Contents
What is a Secret Society?
Secret societies are groups that operate in a hidden way. They often have special rules and traditions that are only known to their members. Members might have secret handshakes, passwords, or symbols. The main goal of these groups is to keep their existence and activities private from outsiders.
Why Do People Join Secret Societies?
People join secret societies for many reasons. Some join for a sense of belonging or brotherhood. Others might join to gain power, influence, or to help each other in business or politics. Sometimes, people join because they believe in a shared idea or goal that the society promotes.
Famous Secret Societies in History
Throughout history, many groups have been called secret societies. Some were truly secret, while others were more like clubs with private meetings.
The Freemasons
The Freemasons are one of the oldest and largest fraternal (brotherhood) organizations in the world. They started in the 17th century. While they have some secret rituals and symbols, they are not completely hidden. They have public buildings and their members are known. Freemasons focus on moral and spiritual growth, charity, and helping their communities.
The Knights Templar
The Knights Templar were a powerful Christian military order during the Middle Ages. They were formed in 1119 to protect pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land. They became very wealthy and powerful. In 1307, the King of France and the Pope accused them of heresy and disbanded the order. Many myths and legends grew around them, making them seem like a secret society.
The Triads
The Triads are a type of Chinese secret society. They began as groups that opposed the Qing Dynasty in China. Over time, some Triad groups became involved in criminal activities. However, not all Triad groups are criminal. Some still exist as social or political organizations.
Are Secret Societies Still Around Today?
Yes, many groups that operate with some level of secrecy still exist. Some are social clubs, like certain university fraternities or sororities. Others might be more political or religious groups that prefer to keep their activities private. It's important to remember that "secret society" can mean different things. It can range from a harmless club to a group with more serious, hidden goals.
Images for kids
-
A Hongmen seal, 19th century.
See also
In Spanish: Sociedad secreta para niños
