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Encyclopedia of Religion entry forBaldacchinoAn Italian word for a canopy. It is supposed to be derived from Baaldak, the name by which Bagdad was known at the time of the Crusades. The Baldacchino is used in the Roman Catholic Church. The canopy placed over the high-altar hangs from the roof of the church or is supported on four pillars. Canopies may also be erected over a pulpit or above a bishop‘s throne, etc. Since the time of Constantine canopies resembling in shape the bowl of a cup have been suspended over the altar-table. Inside this canopy was hung a vessel containing the Holy Sacrament. This canopy was called ciborium. Its use in the Church of England has been declared illegal (Dec. 15, 1873). Baldacchino is also the name of a canopy held over the Roman Catholic priest as he carries the Host in pro-cession on Holy Thursday, etc. See Cath. Diet. citations: Encyc. of Rel., Canney
article created 2006-04-12 , last updated 2006-04-12 |
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