> PS: I had the occasion to witness the 'botafumeiro' -- the giant liturgical
> vessel used to burn incense -- being swung like a carnival ride at the end
> of a Sunday mass. Does anyone know of similar liturgical showmanship in
> other churches? (For the purposes of this question, I would not include
> 'good preaching'!)
It is indeed a splendid spectacle. I remember some time ago running
across expenses from the 14th century, or so, at Norwich Cathedral,
of all places, for a large silver censer in the shape of an angel
that was lowered from the vaults. I suspect that such stagecraft
must have been quite common. At Pentecost (I believe) in Chartres
Cathedral, flower petals were showered down from the vault. I, too,
would love to know more about this.
Cheers,
Jim Bugslag
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|