The chalice from the Greek word kulix is a vase of sacred liturgy Christian, having the shape of a cross worn on a foot flared high. It is used in the Eucharistic celebration for the consecration of the wine , becoming the blood of Christ. The chalice recalls the cup of wine of the Last Supper.

The chalice was often in noble gold , silver or red , sometimes inlaid with precious stones or enamel. Nowadays, it can be simple metal or even pottery glazed, "recalling that Christ became poor with the poor."

It was customary to conceal from the eyes of religious persecution, or roman (St Victor in Algeria cover the vessels of gold) or Republican, who raided searching for these precious vessels.

The chalice is on the crest of Galicia , region of Spain.

Art and Literature

The calyx is often depicted with a host.

It is also the literary theme (secondary meaning) of the Holy Grail : the vase containing the blood of the Lord with the spear of Longinus.

In the Gospels, the Angel of Consolation to Christ brings a chalice in the Garden of Gethsemane , during his agony. In art, it is sometimes the angels gathering the blood of Christ on the Cross, during the Passion , flowing from his wounds in chalices.

A chalice	A chalice decorated with motifs of vines	Coat of arms of Galicia	Reproduction of Tassilo Chalice of Kremsmnster
Ardagh Chalice Celtic, Ireland	Chalice of the coronation, XIIth century, Palace of Tau, Treasury of the Cathedral of Reims	Chalice of the treasure of Gourdon	Calyx Merlini