Many modern secret societies were formed primarily for social and benevolent purposes and to carry out charitable and educational programs. These have been especially numerous in the United States and, in the later 19th century, attracted large numbers of immigrants who sought companionship and guidance among people who spoke their native language and followed their customs. In many communities, such societies in the 21st century have continued to provide the principal means of members’ social and civic activities. With all their diversity of type and origin, secret societies have certain characteristics of structure and function in common, and some of their ceremonies reveal surprising similarities.

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