Aspergillum

"Holy water sprinkler" redirects here. For the weapon, see Morning star (weapon) § Holy water sprinkler.
Not to be confused with Aspergillus.
A Western-style aspergillum
Aspergillum in a silver aspersorium or situla.

An aspergillum[1] ("little sprinkler",[2] less commonly, aspergilium, aspergil or asperger) is a Christian liturgical implement used to sprinkle holy water. It comes in three forms: a freshly cut hyssop branch, a brush-like bundle that is dipped in the holy water and shaken, and a perforated, mace-like metal ball with a handle. Some have sponges or internal reservoirs that dispense holy water when shaken, while others must periodically be dipped in an aspersorium (holy water bucket, known to art historians as a situla).

  1. ^ Aspergillum, Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Retrieved on October 8, 2014.
  2. ^ Lo Bello, Anthony (January 24, 2020). The Origins of Catholic Words A Discursive Dictionary. Catholic University of America Press. p. 52. ISBN 9780813232300. Retrieved 5 June 2023.