Aspergillum
The Aspergillum (Latin: aspergillum; aspergere - spray ) is a liturgical device that is used by the priest, deacon, but also by a layman for sprinkling with holy water, such as when Asperges. Originally wore the device in the German-speaking world the name sprengel Sprengel in the language variants or sprengil. Colloquially referred to the device today as a holy water sprinkler, aspergillum or explosive fronds.
The Aspergillum consists of a hollow sphere, in which small holes are punched and in which a sponge is. Older versions consist of a metal, often silver shaft on the end of a brush -like tail is used for animal hair. Also bristle Wedel, who spherical bristles arranged at the end of the shaft, are in use.
There are also handy variants ( Taschenaspergill ), which have an inside ( via threaded -to-open ) container for a small amount of holy water. Thus, no additional holy water container is required ( eg for simple driving to the Graveyard to Blessing of the sick ).
History
The aspergillum was a part on the other hand taken over by Christianity from the liturgical rites of the Old Testament from the religio Romana, where it was among other ritual objects is one of the most important accessories of the Pontifex Maximus, and was also used here for the sprinkling of holy water.
Etymology
Sprengel The words or sprengil come from the Catholic language and originally referred to the holy water sprinkler, which is used for the sprinkling of holy water. Sprengel These words or sprengil not subsequently used in the Catholic Church for the holy water sprinkler, but by the name Aspergillum (Latin: aspergere - sprinkle ) have been replaced.