Secret society

A secret society is a club or organization whose members do not disclose their membership, and may be sworn to hold it secret. The term is sometimes also used to describe fraternal organizations which may have secret ceremonies.

Secret societies are often the subject of much suspicion from non-members, and often feature in conspiracy theories. Some although not all secret societies may strive for secrecy for reasons of their illegal activity.

Secret societies:

• Fenian Brotherhood
• Freemasonry (membership has not been secret since the late 20th century)
• Illuminati (defunct)
• Skull and Bones
• Yakuza
• Triad
• Tong (secret society)
• Mafia
• Order of the Solar Temple

Alleged secret societies:

• Priory of Zion

See also: Society