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Explaining the ‘Weird’ Look
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TitleExplaining the ‘Weird’ Look
DescriptionWhat was most unique about the UAOD compared to other similar friendly societies was their look. The druid’s ceremonial regalia was striking even at the time, with one newspaper article describing it as ‘weird’.
Worn for ceremonial purposes or public events, ceremonial regalia consisted of a long, white hooded robe (although there were other colours such as blue), a full-length horsehair beard, and a wooden crook. This regalia was often not required. Members typically wore standard dress attire (a suit and tie) with the occasional addition of a purple collar embroidered with ‘U.A.O.D’ and the societies’ logo. Although not often worn, the ceremonial regalia, along with other items inspired by ancient druids, provided the Druids with a distinct identity.
This was similarly the case with rituals. The UAOD had an official ritual handbook, which every lodge would follow. These rituals formed part of the formalities of Druid meetings and mainly consisted of opening/closing official proceedings and initiations.
DateAugust 2026
DescriptionWhat was most unique about the UAOD compared to other similar friendly societies was their look. The druid’s ceremonial regalia was striking even at the time, with one newspaper article describing it as ‘weird’. Worn for ceremonial purposes or public events, ceremonial regalia consisted of a long, white hooded robe (although there were other colours such as blue), a full-length horsehair beard, and a wooden crook. This regalia was often not required. Members typically wore standard dress attire (a suit and tie) with the occasional addition of a purple collar embroidered with ‘U.A.O.D’ and the societies’ logo. Although not often worn, the ceremonial regalia, along with other items inspired by ancient druids, provided the Druids with a distinct identity.
This was similarly the case with rituals. The UAOD had an official ritual handbook, which every lodge would follow. These rituals formed part of the formalities of Druid meetings and mainly consisted of opening/closing official proceedings and initiations.
DateAugust 2026Connections
Collection‘United to Assist’: the Druids of Selwyn OrganisationLincoln and Districts Historical Society
OrganisationLincoln and Districts Historical SocietyAttribution
Researched ByNoah RobertsonWritten ByNoah RobertsonDate WrittenBetween 1st January 2026 and 1st August 2026
Written ByNoah RobertsonDate WrittenBetween 1st January 2026 and 1st August 2026Click on the image to add
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Explaining the ‘Weird’ Look (August 2026). Selwyn Stories, accessed 01/09/2026, https://selwynstories.selwynlibraries.co.nz/nodes/view/7157