Chrism

/ˈkrɪzəm/ noun

Definition

Holy oil blessed by a bishop and used in Christian religious ceremonies like baptism and confirmation.

Etymology

From Old French 'chresme', derived from Latin 'chrisma', which comes from Greek 'chrisma' meaning 'anointing' or 'ointment', from 'chriein' meaning 'to anoint'. The word evolved through religious usage to specifically mean blessed sacramental oil in Christianity.

Kelly Says

Chrism connects to the ancient practice of anointing leaders—kings and priests were literally marked with oil as a sign of divine selection, and this tradition is so old it appears in Egyptian pharaohs, Jewish coronations, and Christian sacraments across cultures.

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