Umbracullum
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The umbracullum, a Latin word derived from umbra 'shade' for a sun-umbrella, is an historic piece of the papal regalia and insignia, once used on a daily basis to provide shade for the pope. Also known as the pavilion, in modern usage the umbracullum is a symbol of the Roman Catholic Church and the authority of a pope over it. It is found in the contemporary Church at all the basilicas throughout the world, placed prominently at the right of their main altars. Whenever a pope visits a basilica, its umbracullum is opened.
Translated from the Latin language into the Italian language, it is known as an ombrellino or in the English language as an umbrella. It is shaped as a Baldachin-type canopy with broad alternating gold and red stripes, the traditional colors of the pontificate. It also featured a staff with small bells. It often chimed to announce the arrival of a pope travelling by horse and carriage. The controversial Borgia Pope Alexander VI was the first pope to use the umbracullum as a symbol of the temporal powers of the papacy; royalty during those days commonly walked outdoors under a canopy. A member of the Papal Gentlemen would often follow behind a pope with the umbracullum in hand.
The ombrellino is part of the coat of arms of the Vatican City during a sedesvacancy, i.e. between the reigns of two popes. It was first used as an interregnal emblem in this way on coins minted in 1521.
