What is symbolized by oil in the ancient wages?

The correct understanding of what oil symbolizes in the context of the ancient wages relates to the concept of joy. In many traditions, oil is often associated with anointing, which signifies not only a physical application but also a spiritual blessing. Anointing with oil has historically been linked with joy and celebration, often used in ceremonial contexts to indicate favor, blessing, or the bestowal of special status.

In this specific context, oil signifies joy in the sense of celebration and the uplifting spirit associated with a joyous occasion. It reflects the idea that being elevated to a higher understanding or state, as in the journey of a Fellow Craft, is inherently joyful.

In contrast, while oil could also be associated with other interpretations such as wealth, power, or health in various contexts, these ideas do not capture the primary symbolism of joy as effectively in the context of ancient wages and their meaning in Masonic tradition. Thus, oil’s most relevant association in this framework is joy, making it the correct interpretation.