flabelli

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Scope note
Decorated fans in the form of a disk or other shape made from precious feathers, metal, leather, parchment, or silk, mounted on a pole or handle, and used to keep flies and other insects away from liturgical sacrifices. They were first used in pre-Christian sacrifices and were then taken up by the Early Christians. Use was continued in the Latin Church to about the 14th century, and in the Greek Church to the present day. Flabelli in the shape of a fan, later morphing into an umbrella or canopy, were also used historically to designate the ranks of bishops and princes in ceremonies. Two fans of this kind are used at the Vatican whenever the Pope is carried in state.
flabelli
Accepted term: 29-Apr-2024