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{{Short description|Ecclesiastical footed drinking cup, often with a central knop}} {{hatnote group|{{Other uses}}
{{Redirect|Goblet|drinking goblets intended for everyday use|stemware}}}} {{Use mdy dates|date=September 2024}} {{CS1 config|mode=cs2}}
[[File:German_-_Chalice_with_Saints_and_Scenes_from_the_Life_of_Christ_-_Walters_44116.jpg|thumb|Late medieval chalice in [[silver-gilt]] with enamels of Saints and Scenes from the [[Life of Christ in art|Life of Christ]]]]
[[File:Parts_of_a_liturgical_chalice.png|thumb|Diagram showing the parts of a liturgical chalice.]]
A '''chalice''' (from [[Latin]] {{lang|la|calix}} 'cup', taken from the [[Ancient Greek]] {{lang|grc|κύλιξ}} ({{transl|grc|[[kylix]]}}) 'cup') is a drinking [[cup]] raised on a stem with a foot or base.  Although it is a technical archaeological term, in modern parlance the word is now used almost exclusively for the cups used in [[Christian liturgy]] as part of a service of the [[Eucharist]], such as a [[Catholic mass]]. These are normally made of metal, but neither the shape nor the material is a requirement.  Most have no handles, and in recent centuries the cup at the top has usually been a simple flared shape.

Historically, the same shape was used for elite secular vessels, and many individual examples have served both secular and liturgical uses over their history, for example the [[Lacock Cup]] and [[Royal Gold Cup]], both late medieval cups. Cups owned by churches were much more likely to survive, as secular [[drinkware]] in precious metal was usually melted down when it fell out of fashion.

The same general cup shape is also called a '''goblet''' (from [[Old French]] {{lang|fr|gobellet}}, [[diminutive]] of {{lang|fr|gobel}} 'cup'), normally in secular contexts. This remains current as a term for [[Wineglass|wineglasses]] and other [[stemware]], most of which have a goblet shape, with '''Paris goblet''' as a trade term for basic rounded wineglasses. The modern French term ''gobelet'' has developed differently, and is used for different shapes such as the [[Gobelet André Falquet]] and Roman [[Lyon Cup]], both stemless.

== Religious use ==

=== Christian ===
[[File:Agape_feast_03.jpg|thumb|[[Fresco]] of a female figure holding a chalice at an early Christian [[Agape feast]]. [[Catacombs of Rome|Catacomb]] of Saints [[Marcellinus and Peter]], [[Via Labicana]], Rome]]
The [[ancient Roman]] {{lang|la|calix}} was a cup or drinking vessel, probably rather vaguely defined as to its exact shape. But most consisted of a bowl on a stem over a foot or base; handles were probably optional. The Greek [[kylix]], at least as defined by modern authorities, was a far wider and more shallow bowl on some sort of stem, with two horizontal handles. It is the most common wine cup seen in paintings of [[symposium]] drinking parties. Gradually the term became more or less restricted to cups for liturgical use.<ref>[[OED]], "Chalice"</ref>

In [[Catholic Church|Roman Catholicism]], [[Eastern Orthodox Church]], [[Oriental Orthodoxy]], [[Anglicanism]], [[Lutheranism]] and some other [[Christian denomination|Christian denominations]], a chalice is a standing cup used to hold [[sacramental wine]] during the [[Eucharist]] (also called the Lord's Supper or Holy Communion). Chalices are often made of precious metal, and they are sometimes richly [[Enamelling|enamelled]] and [[Gemstone|jewelled]]. Generally they have no handles.

Chalices have been used since the [[early Church]]. Because of [[Jesus]]' command to his [[Disciple (Christianity)|disciples]] to "Do this in remembrance of me." ({{bibleverse||Luke|22:19|KJV}}), and [[Paul the Apostle|Paul]]'s account of the Eucharistic rite in {{bibleverse|1|Corinthians|11:24–25|KJV}}, the celebration of the Eucharist became central to [[Christian liturgy]]. Naturally, the vessels used in this important act of worship were highly decorated and treated with great respect. A number of early examples of chalices have a large bowl and two vertical handles, reflecting classical cup shapes such as the [[kantharos]] and [[skyphos]].  Over time, the size of the bowl diminished and the base became larger for better stability. Eventually, official church regulations dictated the construction, blessing, and treatment of chalices. Some religious traditions still require that the chalice, at least on the inside of the cup, be gold-plated.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/the-mass/general-instruction-of-the-roman-missal/girm-chapter-6|title=Chapter VI: The Requisites for the Celebration of Mass|publisher=USCCB}}</ref>

In [[Western Christianity]], chalices will often have a knop, pommel or node where the stem meets the cup to make the [[Elevation (liturgy)|elevation]] easier. In Roman Catholicism, chalices of recent centuries tend to have quite narrow cups. Roman Catholic priests will often receive chalices from members of their families when first [[Ordination|ordained]].
[[File:PotirMuzeuCJ.JPG|thumb|Silver chalice in the museum of the Romanian Orthodox Archbishopy of the Vad, Feleac, and Cluj]]
In [[Eastern Christianity]] (Oriental Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox and [[Eastern Catholic Church|Eastern Catholic]] churches), chalices will often have [[Icon|icons]] enameled or engraved on them, as well as a cross. In Orthodoxy and Eastern Catholicism, all communicants receive both the [[Body of Christ]] and the [[Blood of Christ]]. To accomplish this, a portion of the [[Lamb (Liturgy)|Lamb]] ([[Host (Holy Communion)|host]]) is placed in the chalice, and then the faithful receive Communion on a [[Spoon (liturgy)|spoon]]. For this reason, eastern chalices tend to have larger, rounded cups. In the [[Russian Orthodox Church]], the faithful will often kiss the "foot" (base) of the chalice after receiving Holy Communion. In other traditions, they will kiss the cup. Although Orthodox [[Monk|monks]] are not permitted to hold personal possessions, the [[Canon law|canons]] permit a [[hieromonk]] (i.e., a monk who has been ordained to the priesthood) to keep a chalice and other vessels necessary to celebrate the [[Divine Liturgy]].

In the early and medieval church, when a [[deacon]] was ordained, he would be handed a chalice during the service as a sign of his ministry. In the West the deacon carries the chalice to the [[altar]] at the [[offertory]]; in the East, the priest carries the chalice and the deacon carries the [[paten]] ({{transliteration|el|diskos}}). Only wine, water and a portion of the Host are permitted to be placed in the chalice, and it may not be used for any profane purpose.

The chalice is considered to be one of the most sacred vessels in Christian liturgical worship, and it is often blessed before use. In the Roman Catholic Church and some Anglo-Catholic churches, it was the custom for a chalice to be [[consecrated]] by being [[Anointing|anointed]] with [[chrism]], and this consecration could only be performed by a [[bishop]] or [[abbot]] (only for use within his own [[monastery]]).<ref>{{Citation|last=Thurston|first=Herbert|author-link=Herbert Thurston|contribution=Chalice|year=1908|title=The Catholic Encyclopedia|volume=III|place=New York|publisher=Robert Appleton Company|contribution-url=http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03561a.htm|access-date=2008-06-13|title-link=The Catholic Encyclopedia}}</ref> Among the Eastern Churches, there are varying practices regarding blessing. In some traditions, the very act of celebrating the [[Sacred Mysteries]] ([[Eucharist]]) is the only blessing necessary; in others, there is a special rite of blessing. In some Eastern traditions, this blessing may be done only by a bishop, in some it may be done by a priest. In any case, in both the East and the West, once a chalice has been blessed, it may only be touched by an ordained member of the higher clergy (bishop, priest or deacon). In the [[Russian Orthodox Church]], a [[subdeacon]] is permitted to touch the holy vessels, but only if they are wrapped in cloth.

==== The Holy Chalice ====
[[File:Chalice_Burgos_VandA_132-1873.jpg|thumb|Chalice with the inscription: "Sanguis meus vere est potus" ('My blood is drink indeed'; John 6:55, [[King James Version|KJV]]), made for the church St John the Baptist in Salinas, Spain. [[Silver-gilt]], 1549]]
{{Main|Holy Chalice}} In [[Christian tradition]], the [[Holy Chalice]] is the vessel which Jesus used at the [[Last Supper]] to serve the wine. New Testament texts make no mention of the cup except within the context of the [[Last Supper]] and give no significance whatsoever to the object itself. Herbert Thurston in the ''[[Catholic Encyclopedia]]'' 1908 concluded that "No reliable tradition has been preserved to us regarding the vessel used by Christ at the Last Supper. In the sixth and seventh centuries pilgrims to Jerusalem were led to believe that the actual chalice was still venerated in the church of the Holy Sepulchre, having within it the sponge which was presented to Our Saviour on Calvary." Several surviving standing cups of precious materials are identified in local traditions as the Chalice.

==== Holy Grail ====
{{Main|Holy Grail}} An entirely different and pervasive tradition concerns the cup of the [[Last Supper]]. In this highly muddled though better-known version, the vessel is known as the [[Holy Grail]]. In this legend, Jesus used the cup at the Last Supper to institute the [[Mass (liturgy)|Mass]]. Other stories claim that Joseph of Arimathea used the cup to collect and store the blood of Christ at the Crucifixion.

=== Unitarian Universalism ===
At the opening of Unitarian Universalist worship services, many congregations light a flame inside a chalice.<ref>{{Citation|last=[[Unitarian Universalist Association]] of Congregations|url=http://www.uua.org/visitors/6901.shtml|title=Our Symbol: the Flaming Chalice|date=March 1, 2007|access-date=2007-07-19}}</ref> A [[flaming chalice]] is the most widely used symbol of [[Unitarianism]] and [[Unitarian Universalism]] (UU), and the official logo of the [[Unitarian Universalist Association]] (UUA) and other Unitarian and UU churches and societies.<ref name="uua">{{Citation|last=[[Unitarian Universalist Association]]|url=http://www.uua.org/aboutuu/chalice.html|title=The History of the Flaming Chalice|year=2007}}</ref> The design was originated by the artist Hans Deutsch, who took his inspiration from the chalices of oil burned on ancient [[Ancient Greece|Greek]] and [[Religion in ancient Rome|Roman]] [[Altar|altars]]. It became an underground symbol in [[occupied Europe]] during [[World War II]] for assistance to help Unitarians, Jews, and other people escape [[Nazi]] persecution.<ref>{{Citation|last=uuworld.org—liberal religion and life|title=Wartime origins of the flaming chalice|url=http://www.uua.org/visitors/6901.shtml|access-date=2007-07-19}}</ref> The chalice is often shown surrounded by two linked rings. The two linked rings were used as an early symbol for the Unitarian Universalist Association, signifying the joining of Unitarianism and Universalism.

There is no standardized interpretation of the flaming chalice symbol. In one interpretation, the chalice is a symbol of religious freedom from the impositions of doctrine by a hierarchy and openness to participation by all; the flame is interpreted as a memorial to those throughout history who sacrificed their lives for the cause of religious liberty. In another interpretation, the flaming chalice resembles a cross, symbolic of the Christian roots of Unitarian Universalism.<ref name="uua" />

=== Wicca ===
{{Main|Magical tools in Wicca}} In [[Wicca]], a chalice, as a feminine principle, is often used in combination with the [[Athame]] (ceremonial black-handled knife), as male principle. Combining the two evokes the act of procreation, as a symbol of universal creativity. This is a symbol of the [[Great Rite]] in [[Wicca|Wiccan]] rituals. A chalice is also used in the [[Small Rite]].

=== Neo-Paganism ===
Some other forms of [[Neo-Paganism]] make use of chalices in their rituals as well. A chalice may be placed on an [[altar]] or on the ground. The chalice may contain wine, [[whiskey]], water, or other liquids. It is used to represent the genitalia of the goddess or female deity.

=== Rastafarian ===
{{main|Chalice (pipe)}} [[Rastafari|Rastafaris]] sometimes smoke [[ganja]] in a ''chalice'' (waterpipe or [[bong]]) during an activity called [[Reasoning (Rastafari)|reasoning]] intended to put participants in touch with peaceful feelings, unity, and "consciousness."{{Citation needed|date=February 2011}}

== Poisoned chalice ==
[[File:Trésor_de_Gourdon_04.JPG|thumb|[[Treasure of Gourdon]], 6th century AD]]
The term "poisoned chalice" is applied to a thing or situation which appears to be good when it is received or experienced by someone, but then becomes or is found to be bad. The idea was referred to by [[Benedict of Nursia]] in one of his [[Exorcism|exorcisms]], found on the [[Saint Benedict Medal]]: {{lang|la|Vade retro Satana! Nunquam suade mihi vana! Sunt mala quae libas. Ipse venena bibas!}} ('Begone Satan! Never tempt me with your vanities! What you offer me is evil. Drink the poison yourself!').

[[William Shakespeare]] uses the expression in Act I Scene VII of ''[[Macbeth]]''. It occurs in the opening soliloquy of the scene when Macbeth is considering the ramifications of the murder he is plotting.<blockquote><poem>But in these cases
We still have judgment here; that we but teach
Bloody instructions, which, being taught, return
To plague the inventor: this even-handed justice
Commends the ingredients of our poison'd chalice
To our own lips. [1.7.7–12] </poem></blockquote>

== Heraldry ==
{{Main|Heraldry}} The use of chalices as [[Heraldic device|heraldic devices]] is not unusual, especially in [[ecclesiastical heraldry]]. A number of cities and regions also make use of the chalice. For instance, the [[coat of arms]] of the municipality of [[Fanas]] in the district of [[Prättigau/Davos (district)|Prättigau/Davos]] in the [[Cantons of Switzerland|Swiss canton]] of [[Graubünden]] bears a gold chalice on a solid blue background. The coat of arms of [[Staufen im Breisgau]] contains the three golden chalices (i.e. {{lang|de|drei staufen}} in ancient German) of the {{ill|Lords of Staufen|de|Staufen (Adelsgeschlecht)}}, advocates of the monastery of [[St. Trudpert's Abbey#History|St. Trudpert]]. A golden chalice (or in some instances three or five) on blue background has been used as coat of arms for the [[Kingdom of Galicia]] since at least the late Middle Ages, and is still central in its renewed heraldry.

== Gallery ==
<gallery perrow="7">
File:Tutankhamun_Treasure_in_Paris_coupe_au_lotus-cropped.jpg|Alabaster chalice found in [[Tutankhamun]]'s [[Tomb of Tutankhamun|tomb]], 14th century BC
File:NavdatoliGoblet1300BCE.jpg|Ceramic goblet from Navdatoli, [[Malwa]], 1300 BCE; [[Malwa culture]]
File:Bucchero_chalice_Louvre_C627.jpg|[[Etruscan art|Etruscan]] [[bucchero]] "chalice", early 6th century BC
File:TassilokelchSchreibmayr-2.jpg|[[Tassilo Chalice]], {{Circa|780}} (reproduction)
File:Calice_d'argento,_da_reerasta,_ardagh,_contea_di_limerick,_viii_secolo_04.jpg|[[Ardagh Chalice]], 8th century
File:Byzantine_-_Chalice_with_Apostles_Venerating_the_Cross_-_Walters_57636_-_Profile.jpg|''Chalice with Apostles Venerating the Cross'', Byzantine Empire ([[Walters Art Museum]])
File:Calice_du_sacre_Tau.jpg|[[Palais du Tau]], treasure of the [[Cathedral of Reims]], 12th century
File:French_12th_Century_(mounting);_Alexandrian_2nd-1st_Century_B.C.(cup)_,_Chalice_of_the_Abbot_Suger_of_Saint-Denis,_NGA_1437.jpg|Chalice of Abbot [[Suger]] of [[Basilica of Saint-Denis|Saint-Denis]], Roman cup, 12th-century mounts, [[National Gallery of Art]]
File:Kalk_från_Borgå_domkyrka,_omkring_år_1900.jpg|Chalice from Borgå Cathedral ([[Porvoo Cathedral]]), {{Circa|1250}}
File:Wine_Goblet,_mid-19th_century.jpg|''Wine Goblet'', mid-19th century. [[Qajar]] dynasty. [[Brooklyn Museum]].
File:KelchmodernSchreibmayr.jpg|Modern chalice with paten
File:Fractio-panis1.JPG|Large modern chalice and paten
</gallery>

== Other usage ==
[[File:Alexander_Coosemans_-_Allegory_of_the_Eucharist.jpg|thumb|''Allegory of the Eucharist'' by [[Alexander Coosemans]]]]

=== Québec ===
{{Main|Quebec French profanity}} In French-Canadian culture, particularly in and around Quebec, the use of the names of holy objects such as "câlice" (a variation of calice, which is the French word for chalice) can be an alternate form of cursing. Somewhat equivalent to the American word "goddam" or the phrase "God damn it", the use of "câlice" or "tabarnak" (a variation of tabernacle) as an interjection is not uncommon in Quebec. For example: "Câlice! I forgot to lock the front door" or muttering "tabarnak" under one's breath after they get a flat tire. This is presumably a derivation of "taking the Lord's name in vain".<ref>{{Citation|last=Gordon|first=Sean|date=December 12, 2006|title=Quebec swears by its English curses: But church-related expletives spoken in French not accepted on TV|work=Toronto Star}}</ref>

=== Czech Republic ===
With reference to the [[Hussites|Hussite movement]] in the [[Kingdom of Bohemia]], besides religious use, the chalice also became one of the unofficial national symbols of the [[Czechs]]. It is frequently used in Czech national symbolism and it is part of many historical banners.

== See also ==
{{div col}}

* [[Ablution in Christianity]]
* [[Ardagh Chalice]]
* [[Chalice of Crossdrum]]
* [[Ciborium (container)|Ciborium]]
* [[Communion cup]]
* [[Communion under both kinds]]
* [[Corporal (liturgy)]]
* [[Derrynaflan Chalice]]
* [[Holy Grail]]
* [[Intinction]]
* [[Paten]]
* [[Tassilo Chalice]]
* [[The Oxburgh Chalice]]
* [[The Silver Chalice]]
* [[Treasure of Gourdon]]

{{div col end}}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==

* {{Wiktionary-inline|chalice}}
* {{Commons category-inline|Chalices}}
* [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03561a.htm "Chalice"] article from the ''[[Catholic Encyclopedia]]''
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20061108055459/http://www.artofvenice.com/art/murano-stem-glass.htm Stem glass classification]
* [[doi:10.7925/drs1.ivrla_29864|Material Culture of the Mendicant Orders in Ireland, a selection of photographs of and detailed information about religious artefacts, mainly chalices, belonging to the Irish Franciscans.]] A UCD Digital Library Collection.

{{CatholicMass|collapsed}} {{Lutheran Divine Service|collapsed}} {{Byzantine Rite|collapsed}} {{Anglican Liturgy|collapsed}} {{Glassware}} {{Authority control}}