The Orange Order was founded in 1795 after a Protestant victory at Loughgall, County Armagh, in what became known as the Battle of the Diamond.Orange "lodges" as we know them today did not come into being until 1795, when a small group of men gathered in the village of Loughgall and resolved "that at all times they would stand together, fight for the faith of the Reformed Church, and by all lawful means support, maintian and defend the Sovereign and Protestant Succession to the Throne, and to the utmost of their power keep the peace and public safety".

The Orange Order's name was chosen to commemorate the victory of Protestant King William of Orange over Catholic King James in the Battle of the Boyne on July 12, 1690.  Portadown was at the forefront in adopting the new Orange organisation.  Influential members in various lodges in the area felt that the time was right to establish a new District Lodge. Portadown Orange District LOL No 1 came into existence on 21 August 1796.  The Orange Institution is a Christian organisation.

Orange Order parades are an essential part of Protestant culture and tradition. The organisation demonstrates their faith through parading - to give thanks to God for the democratic revolution in Britian in 1690 and the Battle of the Boyne. The Orange Order proclaims "Civil and religious liberty for all". The routes the parades take were established long ago, but some of the areas have since been subject to demographic changes, with Protestants moving out and Catholics moving in.The processions take place from Easter and throughout the summer. This period is often called the marching season.

The marches and parades are colourful occasions. Orangemen traditionally wear bowler hats and orange sashes.  They carry banners and are most often accompanied by musical bands.The flags and banners are full of religious,cultural, and political symbolism depicting,biblical scenes,famous people or events in history and in themselves portray the rich cultural heritage of our people in picture form.Orange Parades are mostly commemorative. Various events in the history of the Ulster Protestant people are commemorated by parades that take different forms.These range from the solemn remembrance of the fallen at the Somme to the culture extravaganza that is the 12th of July commemorating the Glorious Revolution secured at the Battle of the Boyne. On July 11, on the eve of the Twelfth celebrations, bonfires are lit in Protestant areas throughout Northern Ireland.  Lodges traditionally have monthly meetings, which normally begin with prayers or bible readings and conclude with the singing of God Save the Queen, the  national anthem.  The Orange Order acts as the focal point for many people's social lives in Northern Ireland. It is through the lodges that meetings, lectures, band practice and social events like dances are organised. There are also junior lodges and women's lodges.