Lacrymatory

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Lacrymatory (from the Lat. lacrima, a tear) is a class of small vessels of terra-cotta or, more frequently, of glass, found in Roman and late Greek tombs, and supposed to have been bottles into which mourners dropped their tears. They contained unguents, and to the use of unguents at funeral ceremonies the finding of so many of these vessels in tombs is due. They are shaped like a spindle, or a flask with a long small neck and a body in the form of a bulb.

The name of these small tear bottles is derived from the lacrymatory glands that secrete tears. Also commonly spelled Lachrymatory.^[1]

The Unguents referred to in the Encyclopædia Britannica reference were likely fragrant ointments or pastes similar to solid perfume or perfumed cream today. There is evidence that people have collected their tears in mourning and as a symbol of deep love throughout history, but not as the common practice once attributed to the Romans.^[2]

[edit] References

• This article incorporates text from the Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition, a publication now in the public domain.