Sarah Mitchell
The name 'cardinal' has an interesting etymology. The term is derived from the Latin word 'cardinalis', which means 'principal' or 'chief'. The Latin word itself is derived from 'cardo', which means 'door hinge'. The name is a reference to the idea that cardinals are the 'hinges' upon which the Catholic Church turns, and that the Church's decisions 'hinge' on them. The name also reflects their position as the highest level of Catholic official under the Pope.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin of the term 'cardinal' | Derived from the Latin word "cardinalis", meaning "principal" or "chief" |
| Derived from the Latin word "cardo", meaning "door hinge" | |
| Refers to the idea that cardinals are the "hinges" upon which the Church turns | |
| The term "cardinal" may also refer to a specific shade of vivid red | |
| The bird 'cardinal' | Named after the Catholic cardinal's red cassock |
| The crest of the male bird resembles the mitre worn by a cardinal |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The red cassocks worn by cardinals
On certain occasions, a cardinal may wear a scarlet ferraiolo, a cape draped over the shoulders and tied at the neck with slender strips of fabric. This cape is free of any ornamentation or piping. In the past, when a pope appointed a new cardinal, he would present him with a galero, a distinctive wide-brimmed hat.
The colour and style of the cassocks worn by cardinals have evolved over time. Prior to the 1460s, for instance, it was customary for cardinals to wear violet or blue capes unless they were granted permission to wear red while conducting papal business.
The red cassocks of Catholic cardinals have had a significant influence on the naming of the North American songbird, Cardinalis virginianus. The bird's brilliant red feathers bear a striking resemblance to the scarlet vestments worn by cardinals, and as a result, it has become commonly known as the "cardinal" bird.
The male cardinal's crest also bears a similarity to the mitre, a type of ceremonial headgear worn by cardinals and other high-ranking clergy. This resemblance may have further influenced the association between the bird and the religious office. The term "cardinal" itself is derived from the Latin word "cardinalis", meaning "principal" or "chief", reflecting the cardinal's pivotal role in the Catholic Church.
Staff Strength at Catholic University: How Many Employees?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The bird named after the cassocks' colour
The red bird native to North America, the Cardinalis virginianus, was so named for its bright red colour, which resembles the scarlet cassocks and vestments worn by Catholic cardinals. The crest of the male cardinal also resembles the mitre worn by a cardinal. The bird's name is therefore an allusion to the colour of the cardinals' robes.
The word "cardinal" itself is derived from the Latin "cardo", meaning "door hinge", reflecting the idea that cardinals are the "hinges" upon which the Church turns, and that Church decisions "hinge" upon them. The Latin word "cardinalis", meaning "principal" or "chief", also gave English the general adjective and the specific office in the Catholic hierarchy.
Catholic English Monarchs: A Historical Perspective
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The Latin word 'cardinalis'
The term 'cardinal' is derived from the Latin word 'cardinalis', which means 'principal' or 'chief'. The Latin word itself is derived from 'cardo', meaning 'door hinge'. The metaphor of a hinge point is used to describe the importance of cardinals as the 'pivots' of Church life, upon whom important Church decisions 'hinge'.
The red vestments of Catholic cardinals are well-known, and it is this distinctive colour that has been suggested as the origin of the term 'cardinal'. The bright red plumage of the North American songbird Cardinalis virginianus is said to resemble the red robes of cardinals. The crest of the male cardinal also bears a resemblance to the mitre worn by a cardinal. Thus, early settlers in North America distinguished this bird from the also red scarlet tanager by naming it the 'cardinal'.
The red bird reminded settlers of the red cassocks worn by Catholic cardinals, and so the bird was named after the religious figure. The name may also be derived from the term for the specific shade of vivid red, which is a colour between scarlet and crimson.
The Latin root of the word 'cardinal' reflects the pivotal role that these religious figures play in the Catholic Church, while the colour red has become associated with their position of prominence.
Scottish Catholics: Population and Influence
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The highest level of Catholic official under the pope
Cardinals are the highest-ranking Catholic clergy below the pope. The term "cardinal" comes from the Latin "cardo", meaning "hinge" or "principal", reflecting their important role as the pope's closest advisors. Cardinals are typically chosen from archbishops and bishops, who govern dioceses and archdioceses, though occasionally priests are selected in recognition of their service to the Church.
The cardinalate is largely an honorific distinction, originating in 1059 when the right to elect the pope was given exclusively to the principal clergy of Rome and the bishops of the seven suburbicarian dioceses. Cardinals are still assigned a church in Rome as their "titular church" or linked with one of these dioceses. The Pope, as Bishop of Rome, is considered the leader of the Catholic Church, ruling in a similar way to a king over a country, and is the head of state for the Vatican City.
The Pope is elected by cardinals under the age of 80 following the death or resignation of the previous Pope, and there is no limit to how many years a Pope may hold office. The Pope is also a bishop and is addressed as "Venerable Brother" when writing formally to another bishop. Bishops are ministers who hold the full sacrament of holy orders and are considered the successors of the Apostles. They are required to be 35 years old, ordained for at least five years, and hold a doctorate in theology. They govern over local regions known as dioceses and reach retirement age at 75. Archbishops are bishops who oversee large areas of churches called archdioceses.
The Length of Catholic Bishop Service Explained
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The three orders of cardinals
The name "cardinal" comes from the Latin word "cardo," meaning "door hinge." The term signifies that cardinals are the "hinges" upon which the Church turns.
The College of Cardinals is divided into three orders or ranks: cardinal bishops, cardinal priests, and cardinal deacons.
Cardinal Bishops
Cardinal bishops (or cardinals of the episcopal order) are the senior order of cardinals. In modern times, most cardinals are also bishops or archbishops, but few are "cardinal bishops." In the past, there were seven cardinal bishops, each presiding over one of the seven suburbicarian sees around Rome: Ostia, Albano, Porto and Santa Rufina, Palestrina, Sabina and Mentana, Frascati, and Velletri. The actual number of cardinal bishops for most of the second millennium was six, as Velletri was united with Ostia from 1150 until 1914.
Cardinal Priests
Cardinal priests are the most numerous of the three orders of cardinals, ranking above cardinal deacons and below cardinal bishops. Those named cardinal priests today are generally bishops of important dioceses throughout the world, though some hold Curial positions. In modern times, the term "cardinal priest" refers to a cardinal who is of the order of priests.
Cardinal Deacons
Cardinal deacons hold the lowest rank of cardinals. Their ranks include officials of the Roman Curia and theologians honored by the Pope for their contributions to the Church. In the early centuries, there were seven deacons who administered seven districts of the Roman diocese, as well as seven deacons who assisted in the papal household. Today, cardinal deacons hold titles as if assigned to a church in one of three deaconries of Rome. Cardinal deacons may be promoted by the Pope to the higher ranks of the College of Cardinals.
Altar Relics: A Catholic Tradition Explored
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The term 'cardinal' is derived from the Latin word 'cardinalis', which means 'principal' or 'chief'. The Latin word itself comes from 'cardo', meaning 'door hinge', reflecting the idea that cardinals are the 'hinges' of the Church upon which it turns.
The male cardinal bird's bright red colour and crest are reminiscent of the red cassocks and mitre worn by Catholic cardinals. The bird was named after the clergymen, rather than the other way around.
Cardinals' normal-wear cassocks are black but have scarlet piping and a scarlet fascia (sash). On occasion, they wear a scarlet ferraiolo, a cape worn over the shoulders and tied at the neck.
