Cruet

Cruets, referred to in the liturgical language as urceolus or Amula and in art history as a measuring pollen, are sacred unit for water and wine in the Mass of the Catholic Church and the Anglican Church. The cruets were mentioned for the first time in the Statuta ecclesiae antiqua from the 5th century, regularly they were used from the 12th century.

During the Eucharist, two filled with sacramental wine and water jug be brought forth, which are now sometimes made ​​of precious metals, such as silver, copper, brass or tin, or glass and ceramic. During the offertory wine and a little water be poured into the cup, and thus mingle. The wine is a symbol of the divine nature of Christ, the water for his human nature.

The ornamental and formal shape of the pot is determined by the prevailing art style of different times. Already Romanesque artistically designed jug are obtained. While in Italy the jug are provided with a thin Ausgießröhre, they have in France the form of vials or small jars. They stand on a tray that catches even at the hand washing of the celebrant priest the water. Are they made ​​of opaque material, they can be identified with V ( for the Latin vinum, wine ') and A ( for aqua ' water ' ). To chalice set often includes a Kelchlöffelchen with which the celebrant can give a little water into the chalice from the jug.

In solemn celebration of the wine can be brought in the offertory procession, the bishop or priest in a decorated pot and the water jug are provided on the sideboard. The washing of the hands can also be done with a separate jug and a basin.