Legal Definitions - ceratium

Ceratium refers to a historical payment or duty, typically made to a church or ecclesiastical body, specifically intended to cover the cost of candles or lights used during religious services or for the upkeep of church lighting. It was a form of ecclesiastical tax or offering, sometimes also known as "wax scot."

• Example 1: Medieval Manor Records

  In the historical records of a 13th-century English manor, entries might detail the obligations of its tenants. One such obligation could be the annual payment of "ceratium" to the local parish church. This payment, perhaps a small amount of money or a specific quantity of beeswax, ensured that the church had the necessary resources to light its altar and nave for daily services and special occasions.

  This example illustrates ceratium as a customary and often mandatory payment from individuals within a community to their local church, directly funding the essential lighting for religious practices.

• Example 2: Testamentary Bequest

  A will from a wealthy merchant in 16th-century Venice might have included a specific clause dedicating a portion of his estate to the perpetual maintenance of lights in a particular chapel. The will could stipulate that the income from a designated property be used solely for the "ceratium" of that chapel, ensuring a continuous supply of candles for masses and prayers offered for his soul.

  Here, ceratium is shown as an endowment or bequest, establishing a dedicated fund for the ongoing provision of church lighting, reflecting its importance in religious observance.

• Example 3: Ecclesiastical Assessment

  During a historical visitation by a bishop to a diocese in the 15th century, an assessment might have been made on various monasteries and parishes. Part of this assessment could have included a levy for "ceratium," requiring each institution to contribute a certain sum towards the lighting expenses of the cathedral or for general diocesan liturgical needs, such as providing candles for major festivals.

  This example demonstrates ceratium as a formal assessment or tax levied by a higher ecclesiastical authority on subordinate religious institutions, highlighting its role in the broader financial structure of the church for maintaining liturgical lighting.