Abugia (Latin:scotula,palmatorium,[1] French:bougeoir[2]) orhand-candlestick is a liturgicalcandlestick held beside aLatin Catholicbishop or otherprelate.
The bugia is a low, portablecandlestick with a long handle, held next to clergy to illuminate books being sung or read from. According to the 1886Caeremoniale Episcoporum, it was to be made of gold or gilt silver forcardinals andpatriarchs and silver for all other prelates, but this distinction was seldom followed.[3] The candle used in the bugia was made of beeswax.[4]
The bugia is held near and to the right of the book by one of the attendants of the prelate whenever he reads or sings a text from theevangeliary ormissal.[5][4] In the case of theRoman Pontiff, this role is filled by anassistant to the papal throne, but he holds an ordinary wax candle, not a bugia.[6][3] For any other prelate, this was performed by anacolyte or othercleric.[7] It was generally classified among thepontificalia of a bishop, along with themitre,crozier,episcopal gloves, and other items.[1]
Until 1905, only bishops and prelates withpontifical privileges could use the bugia at Mass. Themotu proprioInter multiplices issued byPius X allowed all prelates, even titularprotonotaries apostolic,vicars general, anddiocesan administrators to use the bugia throughout liturgies. Its use onGood Friday, however, remained forbidden regardless of clerical rank.[3][8] Also prohibited was its use by theordinary when he celebrated Mass at thefaldstool in the presence of a cardinal.[4] Priests who needed an additional light near the missal on account of darkness were allowed to use a candle, so long as it did not have the form of the bugia.[9] In 1968 its use was restricted to situations where practicality made its use necessary.[1]
The word "bugia" (transl. candle), originates from the Latin name of the city ofBéjaïa, Algeria, a source of candle wax.[10]
