Reliquaries and display cases are objects of great importance in the Catholic liturgy, since they contain sacred objects representing the presence of God and the saints. Reliquaries, in particular, guard the remains of a saint or a sacred object, such as a fragment of the cross of Christ or a lock of hair of a martyr. These sacred furniture are venerated by the faithful and used during celebrations as symbols of the Christian faith.
The display cases, on the other hand, have a more practical function, as they contain religious objects during the celebration of Mass but can also be transported more easily.
In fact, the reliquary can be moved on the occasion of processions or celebrations that take place outside the church. This is why it is essential that it is of the highest quality and that it closes perfectly.
In addition, the use of an exhibition case also responds to a security issue. In fact, the relic contained within it must not be exposed inadequately, as it would represent a risk to its integrity and holiness. It therefore serves to protect the object in question and to prevent it from being handled incorrectly.
Both objects can be made of different materials and feature elaborate decorations, but their sacred importance remains unchanged over the centuries.
The history of the reliquary
The history of reliquaries dates back to the fourth century and is closely linked to the preservation of the relics of saints. These containers had the dual purpose of protecting and showing the sacred relics to the faithful, considered capable of obtaining miracles and healings thanks to the intercession of the saints to whom they belonged. Given their importance, reliquaries were considered very precious objects and for this reason they were generally made with artistically worked metals.
The first reliquaries were very simple and decoration and were called 'caskets'. They were often made of wood, represented reproductions of churches or monasteries and were used as furniture for places of worship. Subsequently, around the ninth century, reliquaries containing fragments of the Cross on which Jesus Christ had died became more widespread. These had the shape of a cross and were made of gold and silver, decorated with enamels and precious stones.
From the tenth century, reliquaries began to take on forms closely related to the type of relic to be contained. Reliquaries were made in the form of hands, skulls, arms and other parts of the human body. This made each reliquary unique and original in its form.
In the Middle Age, the feretrum was a rather widespread form of reliquary and was used to contain the sacred effigy or relic of a saint. From the late Middle Ages onwards, they were made with materials that allowed you to see the relic inside. In this way, the impact on the faithful was made more real and meaningful.
However, with the Protestant Reformation moved by Martin Luther, the use of these liturgical supplies was opposed as they were considered objects of idolatry. In this period, many reliquaries were destroyed to recover the precious metals with which they were made.
Despite this, the use and production of these sacred objects continue to persist. Today, ancient reliquaries are exhibited in museums or kept in churches and basilicas, testimony to the faith and devotion of our ancestors.
