Goblets

A chalice (from Latin calix, cup, borrowed from Greek kalyx, shell, husk) is a goblet intended to hold drink. In general religious terms, it is intended for quaffing during a ceremony. more...

Religious use

Christian

In Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Anglicanism, Lutheranism and some other Christian denominations, a chalice is a standing cup used to hold sacramental wine during the Eucharist (also called the Lord's Supper or Holy Communion). Chalices are often made of precious metal, and they are sometimes richly enamelled and jewelled.

The ancient Roman calix was a drinking vessel consisting of a bowl fixed atop a stand, and was in common use at banquets. Chalices have been used since the early church. Because of Jesus' command to his disciples to "Do this in remembrance of me." (Luke 22:19), and Paul's account of the Eucharistic rite in 1 Corinthians 11:24-25, the celebration of the Eucharist became central to Christian liturgy. Naturally, the vessels used in this important act of worship were highly decorated and treated with great respect. A number of early examples of chalices have a large bowl and two handles. Over time, the size of the bowl diminished and the base became larger for better stability. Over time, official church regulations dictated the construction, blessing, and treatment of chalices. Some religious traditions still require that the chalice, at least on the inside of the cup, be made of gold. Modern chalices may be made of clay, wood, glass, or other materials.

In Western Christianity, chalices will often have a pommel where the stem meets the cup to make the elevation easier. In Roman Catholicism, prior to Vatican II, chalices tended to be tulip-shaped, and the cups were quite narrow, since normally only the priests would receive the Blood of Christ during Mass. Under the Novus Ordo all communicants will normally receive from the chalice, so the cup of modern chalices tend to be larger. Roman Catholic priests will often receive chalices from members of their families when first ordained.

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