Aspergillus

Aspergillus

Sponge in the head of an aspergillus

A bishop blesses a newlyweds in the bridal bed - medieval illustration

The Aspergill ( Latin aspergillum from aspergere , sprinkle) is a liturgical device that is used to sprinkle holy water , for example in Asperges . In the German-speaking world, the device was originally called Sprengel in the language variants sprengel or sprengil . Colloquially, the device is now also known as a holy water sprinkler , holy water whisk or sprinkling whisk .

description

The Aspergill consists of a hollow ball with small holes punched into it and a sponge inside. Older as well as modern versions consist of a metal, often silver shaft, at the end of which a brush-like frond made of animal hair is inserted. Also bristle Wedel , at the end of the shaft spherically arranged bristles are in use.

There are also handy versions ( pocket aspergillus ) that have a container for a small amount of holy water that can be opened with a screw ring. This means that no additional holy water container is required (e.g. to take it to the cemetery or to bless the sick).

history

The aspergillum was adopted by Christianity partly from the liturgical customs of the Old Covenant and partly from religio Romana , where it was one of the most important accessories of the Pontifex maximus along with other ritual objects and was also used here for sprinkling with consecrated water.

etymology

The words sprengel or sprengil come from Catholic usage and originally referred to the holy water sprinkler, which is used for sprinkling with holy water. These words sprengel or sprengil were later no longer used in the Catholic Church for the holy water sprinkler, but replaced by the name Aspergill (Latin: aspergere - sprinkle).

See also

• Aspergillus : This mushroom was described for the first time by the Italian botanist Pier Antonio Micheli in 1729 . The microscopic image of the fungus reminded him of an aspergillus.

literature

• Sprengel. In: Jacob Grimm , Wilhelm Grimm (Hrsg.): German dictionary . tape 17 : Speaker - standing clock - (X, 2nd section, part 1). S. Hirzel, Leipzig 1919, Sp. 26–27 ( woerterbuchnetz.de ).

Web links

Commons : Aspergill  - collection of images, videos and audio files

Remarks

1. ↑ For example culullus (sacrificial vessel) secespita (ritual knife), dolabra pontificalis (Priesteraxt) simpulum (offeringbox) etc.
2. ↑ Illustration : Reverse side of a denarius of pontifex maximus Julius Caesar with culullus , aspergillum , dolabra and the filum with apex .