Aspergillum

An aspergillum[1] ("little sprinkler",[2] less commonly, aspergilium, aspergil or asperger) is a Christian liturgical implement used to sprinkle holy water.

It comes in three forms: a freshly cut hyssop branch, a brush-like bundle that is dipped in the holy water and shaken, and a perforated, mace-like metal ball with a handle.

In some of the Oriental Orthodox Churches, no aspergillum is used, but the priest will pour holy water into the palm of his right hand and throw it on the faithful.

The cedarwood served for the handle, the hyssop and living bird were attached to it, by means of the scarlet wool or crimson fillet.

The death of that bird portrayed the end of the man's old life outside the camp, and the flight to freedom of the other pictured his liberation from the effects of the disease.

[10] For this, the priest would use either a sprig of hyssop in reference or the aspergillum would be dipped into the situla, a small bucket made of metals such as bronze, wood or ivory.

[9][10] Aspergilla are also used in modern paganism, particularly to cleanse a ritual area in Wicca, as part of a spell, or during a Wheel of the Year festival in Neopagan witchcraft.

[citation needed] Aspergillus, a genus of mold, was named in 1729 by the Italian priest and biologist Pietro Antonio Micheli.