Holy Ampulla
The holy ampulla is a special container that was used during the coronation of French kings during a long time. It is a small bottle, made of gold and filled with special oil called chrism. The word "chrism" comes from the Greek word "khrisma" which means "anointing".
The chrism was made by combining olive oil and balsam, which is a sweet-smelling oil made from tree resin. This special oil was then blessed by a bishop before the coronation ceremony.
During the coronation ceremony, the king would be anointed with the holy oil on his forehead, on his chest, and on his palms. This was done to symbolize that the king is chosen by God to rule the country and to protect the people.
The story of the holy ampulla is quite interesting. According to legend, the container was given to the French king Clovis in the year 496 by a white dove sent by God. Clovis was the first king to be anointed with the holy oil, and this tradition was passed down to his successors.
Over the years, the holy ampulla became a symbol of the divine right of kings, which means that the king's power comes directly from God. The container was considered to be so important that it was kept in a special room in the cathedral of Reims, under heavy guard.
Today, the holy ampulla is no longer used in coronation ceremonies, but it is still kept in the cathedral of Reims as a historical artifact. It is one of the oldest objects still in use in French culture, and it is considered to be a national treasure.
The chrism was made by combining olive oil and balsam, which is a sweet-smelling oil made from tree resin. This special oil was then blessed by a bishop before the coronation ceremony.
During the coronation ceremony, the king would be anointed with the holy oil on his forehead, on his chest, and on his palms. This was done to symbolize that the king is chosen by God to rule the country and to protect the people.
The story of the holy ampulla is quite interesting. According to legend, the container was given to the French king Clovis in the year 496 by a white dove sent by God. Clovis was the first king to be anointed with the holy oil, and this tradition was passed down to his successors.
Over the years, the holy ampulla became a symbol of the divine right of kings, which means that the king's power comes directly from God. The container was considered to be so important that it was kept in a special room in the cathedral of Reims, under heavy guard.
Today, the holy ampulla is no longer used in coronation ceremonies, but it is still kept in the cathedral of Reims as a historical artifact. It is one of the oldest objects still in use in French culture, and it is considered to be a national treasure.