Buckland, Farringdon.
_Watching the Sepulchre._--If no one sends a more satisfactory reply
to the query about "Watching the Sepulchre," the following extract
from Parker's _Glossary of Architecture_ (3rd edit. p. 197.) will
throw some light on the matter:--
"In many churches we find a large flat arch in the north
wall of the chancel near the alter, which was called the
Holy Sepulchre; and was used at Easter for the performance of
solemn rites commemorative of the resurrection of our Lord.
On this occasion there was usually a temporary wooden erection
over the arch; but, occasionally, the whole was of stone, and
very richly ornamented. There are fine specimens at Navenby
and Heckington churches, Lincolnshire, and {355} Hawton
church, Notts. All these in the decorated style of the
fourteenth century; and are of great magnificence, especially
the last."
To this account of the sepulchre I may add, that one principal part
of the solemn rites referred to above consisted in depositing a
consecrated wafer or, as at Durham Cathedral, a crucifix within
its recess--a symbol of the entombment of our blessed Lord--and
removing it with great pomp, accompanied sometimes with a mimetic
representation of the visit of the Marys to the tomb, on the morning
of Easter Sunday. This is a subject capable of copious illustration,
for which, some time since, I collected some materials (which are
quite at your service); but, as your space is valuable, I will only
remark, that the "Watching the Sepulchre" was probably in imitation of
the watch kept by the Roman soldiers round the tomb of Our Lord, and
with the view of preserving the host from any casualty.
At Rome, the ceremony is anticipated, the wafer being carried in
procession, on the Thursday in Passion Week, from the Sistine to the
Paoline Chapel, and brought back again on the Friday; thus missing
the whole intention of the rite. Dr. Baggs, in his _Ceremonies of Holy
Week at Rome_, says (p. 65.):--
"When the pope reaches the altar (of the Capella Paolina),
the first cardinal deacon receives from his hands the blessed
sacrament, and, preceded by torches, carries it to the upper
part of the _macchina_; M. Sagrista places it within the urn
commonly called the sepulchre, where it is incensed by the
Pope.... M. Sagrista then shuts the sepulchre, and delivers
the key to the Card. Penitentiary, who is to officiate on the
following day."