The heart of Masonry is the first three degrees. There's enough material there to study for more than one lifetime.
All other orders are optional and additional. The York Rite is one of those optional and additional bodies. As such all York Rite members are Masons but not all Masons are York Rite members. The Scottish Rite and Shrine are other well known optional and additional Masonic organizations.
The York Rite teaches chivalry. The symbols on that exquisite sword are symbols of chivalry across the centuries.
Thank you.
Do you know what makes very sad and somewhat angry?
This is my grandfathers sword. My sister has it hanging on her wall.
She had no idea who this man was, just that he was a relative.
I have been doing my family tree and it took me a couple years to get her to give me pictures of it.
She has no desire past knowing who he is.
No interest in the story or history behind any of it.
Sadder still, it will go to her son who cares even less.
He wants it just because "It's cool"