CHANCEL SCREENS Meaning and
Definition
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Chancel screens refer to the decorative partitions or barriers that separate the chancel, the area around the altar in a Christian church, from the rest of the church or nave. These screens are typically made of wood, stone, metal, or a combination of materials, and are often intricately carved or adorned with religious motifs and symbols.
The purpose of chancel screens is twofold: firstly, they serve as a physical division between the clergy and the laity, highlighting the sacred nature of the chancel and creating a sense of reverence. Secondly, they are practical in nature, providing a visual and aural separation between the altar and the rest of the church, allowing the clergy to perform sacred rituals and ceremonies without distractions.
Chancel screens often feature a central doorway known as the rood screen, which is reserved for the processional entrance of the clergy. Flanking the rood screen, there are usually smaller openings or panels known as parclose screens, which serve as additional barriers to the chancel. These screens may also incorporate gates or grilles, providing a way for the clergy to access the altar while maintaining a level of separation.
Throughout history, chancel screens have evolved in style and design, reflecting the artistic trends of different eras and regions. They can be found in various Christian denominations, including Catholic, Anglican, and Eastern Orthodox churches, and continue to be valued for their beauty, symbolism, and role in creating a sacred space within the church.
Common Misspellings for CHANCEL SCREENS
- xhancel screens
- vhancel screens
- fhancel screens
- dhancel screens
- cgancel screens
- cbancel screens
- cnancel screens
- cjancel screens
- cuancel screens
- cyancel screens
- chzncel screens
- chsncel screens
- chwncel screens
- chqncel screens
- chabcel screens
- chamcel screens
- chajcel screens
- chahcel screens
- chanxel screens
- chanvel screens
Etymology of CHANCEL SCREENS
The word "chancel screens" is derived from the Latin word "cancellus", which means "lattice" or "grating". In medieval churches, a chancel screen referred to a partition or railing made of wood or stone that separated the chancel, which was the area around the altar, from the nave, where the congregation would sit. The purpose of these screens was to distinguish the sacred space of the chancel from the rest of the church. Over time, the term "chancel screens" became commonly used to describe these architectural features.
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