Lead Token - Boy Bishop Token - Medieval Superb

Lead Token - Boy Bishop Token - Medieval Superb (image 1/2)
Lead Token - Boy Bishop Token - Medieval Superb (image 2/2)
Pricing & History
  • Sold for
    Start Free Trial or Sign In to see what it's worth.
  • Sold Date
  • Source eBay UK
DESCRIPTION Offered is this lovely and very interesting Medieval Lead Boy Bishop Token. Boy bishopping arose as part of the merriment and pranks which turned the world upside down to combat the dreariness of midwinter. Customs varied, but in general, the program began on St. Nicholas' Day, December 6th, when the boy bishop was elected by his fellow choristers, and it reached its conclusion on Holy Innocents' (Childermass) Day, December 28th. In some places, it appears that the boy bishop reigned for three weeks, though the more normal practice seems to have limited his career to the twenty-four hours commencing with First Vespers of Holy Innocents' Day.The boy bishop was invested with all of the symbols of the episcopal office (some cathedrals owned elaborate sets of vestments for the boy bishop and his attendants) and he was seated in the bishop's throne. Although he could not celebrate the Eucharist, he had the authority to bless the people, was required to preach at least one sermon, and in cathedral cities he made a formal visitation of the parishes of the city and received certain revenues from parishes and church officials--in York he and his assistants traveled on horseback around the whole diocese. He was assisted by choristers who took the offices of the senior clergy of the cathedral and diocese and he and his canons could read more
ebay
Items in the Price Guide are obtained exclusively from licensors and partners solely for our members’ research needs.
If this item contains incorrect or inappropriate information please contact us here to flag it for review.

If you are the originator/copyright holder of this photo/item and would prefer it be excluded from our community, contact us here for removal.