Symbolism of liturgical instruments

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CutlerB

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I find myself VERY attracted to a more traditional expression of the Catholic Faith in the Mass. You know, with lots of gold, precious art, stunning churches, fancy vestments… 🙂

However, one invariably notices there is a lot of symbolism in the Latin Mass, a lot of which needs explanation to me. That applies both to the Liturgy and rubrics, as well as liturgical vessels and instruments (not musical). Consider the “umbrella” (I know this term is wrong, but I just don’t know what it’s called…) in this image, for example.



So, basically, I have two questions:
  1. Where can I find out more about the symbolism in the Latin Mass, Liturgy and instruments? Is there some sort of commentary on it?
  2. What’s the umbrella’s proper name and what is its purpose? 🙂
 
It’s called an ombrellino, and it is a type of canopy. I don’t know the history of canopies with regard to the Eucharist, but I imagine it started with a practical purpose, i.e. protecting the Eucharist, priest, and monstrance from the elements (though obviously this wouldn’t apply inside the church). Ombrellinos have long been used to shield monarchs and nobility from the sun, so there may be some symbolism there with our Lord being the King of Kings.

As to a reference for symbolism in the Latin Mass in general, I don’t know of one offhand. This page explains a few vestments and some other general things. As far as accoutrements go, you could get a list of names of objects from a sacristan’s reference (such as this one) and then look them up in a Catholic dictionary (such as this) or encyclopedia (such as this).
 
The priest in the picture is carrying the Blesses Sacrament. They are covered by the Umbraculum. Here is a quote I found:

"In theCatholic ChurchThe ombrellino or umbraculum is a part of the papal regalia. Although the popes no longer use it personally, it is displayed on the coat of arms of a sede vacante (the papal arms used between the death of a pope and the election of his successor). This umbraculum is normally made of alternating red and gold fabric, and is usually displayed in a partially unfolded manner. The popes have traditionally bestowed the use of the umbraculum as a mark of honor upon specific persons and places. The use of an umbraculum is one of the honorary symbols of a basilica and may be used in the basilica’s coat of arms, and carried in processions by the basilica’s canons.

A large umbrella is displayed in each of the Basilicas of Rome, and a cardinal bishop who receives his title from one of those churches has the privilege of having an umbrella carried over his head in solemn processions. It is possible that the galero (wide-brimmed cardinal’s hat) may be derived from this umbrella.[citation needed] Beatiano, an Italian herald, says that "a vermilion umbrella in a field argent symbolises dominion.

Ethiopian Orthodox clergymen lead a procession in celebration of Saint Michael. The priests carry ornately covered Tabota around the church’s exterior, assisted by deacons holding liturgical umbrellas.An umbrella, also known as the umbraculum or ombrellino, is used in Roman Catholic liturgy as well. It is held over the Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist and its carrier by a server in short processions taking place indoors, or until the priest is met at the sanctuary entrance by the bearers of the processional canopy or baldacchino. It is regularly white or golden (the colours reserved for the Holy Sacrament) and made of silk."
 
AD 2: Less formally we can say umbrella or umbraculum; we use it when deacon, priest or bishop carries Ciborium wrapped in benediction/humeral veil.

In Christo,
frater Attempto
 
Sorry if this is going off topic, but I have a question about the picture, I love the big line of red copes in the background, but, can anybody tell me what’s happening? I know usually you see numerous copes like that at Vespers, but the Eucharist is also being processed out, so is this Vespers with Benediction?
 
JuantheTuba said:
Sorry if this is going off topic, but I have a question about the picture, I love the big line of red copes in the background, but, can anybody tell me what’s happening? I know usually you see numerous copes like that at Vespers, but the Eucharist is also being processed out, so is this Vespers with Benediction?
Click to expand...
All I know is that this image is from Sacra Liturgia 2013.
 
JuantheTuba said:
Sorry if this is going off topic, but I have a question about the picture, I love the big line of red copes in the background, but, can anybody tell me what’s happening? I know usually you see numerous copes like that at Vespers, but the Eucharist is also being processed out, so is this Vespers with Benediction?
Click to expand...
Perhaps Vespers followed by Benediction. Or perhaps in the EF you are allowed to have more than one coped priest for Benediction. I don’t know.
 
CutlerB said:
All I know is that this image is from Sacra Liturgia 2013.
Click to expand...
There’s a large papal coat of arms on the right wall… From the looks of things, this looks like a church in Rome.
 
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