Hierarchy classification:

1. top of the aat hierarchies
2. Objects Facet
3. Visual and Verbal Communication (hierarchy name)
4. Visual Works (hierarchy name)
5. visual works (works)
6. [visual works by function]
7. religious visual works

Narrower term/s

• communion wafers

Anotations

Scope note:

Pieces of bread that are consecrated and form one of the principle elements of the Christian eucharistic sacrament. In modern western rites, the hosts are often thin wafers of unleavened bread. Most eastern churches use leavened bread. Early in Christian history, loaves of bread and wine for the eucharistic sacrifice were brought to the altar by the faithful, each contributing his or her share. Eventually, the hosts were prepared under controlled conditions, assuming a round form of moderate thickness, often stamped with a cross or another significant religious emblem. In modern western rites, hosts are often so thin as to be wafer-like. The term "host" derives from Latin "hostia," meaning the victim or host for a sacrifice, which is symbolized by the consecration of the bread.