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Chrism: meaning, definitions and examples

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chrism

 

[ ˈkrɪz.əm ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

religious ceremony

Chrism is a fragrant oil used in various sacraments and ceremonies, particularly in the Christian Church. It is typically composed of olive oil and balsam and is consecrated by a bishop during Holy Week. Chrism is used in the anointing of the sick, baptism, confirmation, and ordination.

Synonyms

anointing oil, sacred oil

Examples of usage

  • The bishop blessed the chrism during the Holy Thursday service.
  • Chrism is essential in the sacrament of confirmation.
  • The oil of chrism symbolizes the Holy Spirit in the baptismal rite.

Translations

Translations of the word "chrism" in other languages:

🇵🇹 crisma

🇮🇳 क्रिस्मा

🇩🇪 Chrisma

🇮🇩 krisma

🇺🇦 хризма

🇵🇱 chrystma

🇯🇵 クリスマ

🇫🇷 chrême

🇪🇸 crisma

🇹🇷 krizma

🇰🇷 크리스마

🇸🇦 كريسم

🇨🇿 křest

🇸🇰 krizma

🇨🇳 基督教坚信

🇸🇮 krizma

🇮🇸 krisma

🇰🇿 хризма

🇬🇪 კრიზმა

🇦🇿 xrisma

🇲🇽 crisma

Word origin

The term 'chrism' comes from the Greek word 'chrisma', which means 'anointing' or 'anointing oil'. This word has its roots in 'chriein', meaning 'to anoint'. In early Christian communities, chrism was vital for the ritualistic practices that marked the rites of passage such as baptism, confirmation, and ordination. The practice of using sacred oils can be traced back to ancient Jewish customs as well, where anointing with oil symbolized sanctification and empowerment. Over centuries, the use of chrism became formalized in the Christian liturgy, and its preparation and consecration became significant acts performed by bishops, signifying the continuity and unity of the Holy Spirit's presence in the church.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,281, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.