K. Kekelidze Georgian National Centre of Manuscript
PhD in Philology
Tbilisi/Georgia
helensha30@yahoo.com

 

Abstract

These theses present the plant components of holy anointing oils in the Holy Scriptures and in the ancient Georgian written tradition. The aim of the study is to present the aromatic substances and plants mentioned in biblical texts as components of holy oils and perfumed ointments, as well as to analyze their religious, cultural, and plant-related significance based on Georgian literary and ecclesiastical sources.

Special attention is paid to the Georgian written tradition. Ancient Georgian biblical translations, hagiographic works, and liturgical texts preserve important information about perfumed ointments, holy chrism, incense, and aromatic substances. The paper discusses the plants used in religious and ecclesiastical practice, the significance of myrrh, frankincense, and cinnamon, the ways these plants entered the Georgian cultural sphere, and how their names were reflected in Georgian written monuments.

In biblical texts, oils and perfumed ointments appear with multifaceted functions. They were used both for ecclesiastical and ceremonial purposes, as well as in everyday life. Particular attention is devoted to the sacred anointing oil described in the Book of Exodus, which consisted of myrrh, fragrant cinnamon, aromatic reed, cassia, and olive oil. These ingredients were highly valued in the Ancient Near East and were often imported from distant regions.

The study also discusses the distinction between oil and holy chrism, as well as between anointing with oil and chrismation. It demonstrates that in Christian tradition holy chrism became a more complex, multi-component aromatic mixture prepared according to a special ritual process involving boiling. Accordingly, the tradition of perfumed ointments described in the Scriptures was transformed during the Christian era and acquired more diverse forms.

 

In conclusion, the study argues that holy oils and aromatic substances were not merely elements of ecclesiastical practice. They represented a multifaceted cultural phenomenon that combined knowledge about plants, medical practices, trade relations, lexical processes, and religious symbolism. The study of these issues is important for Georgian philology and textual criticism, as well as for source studies and cultural studies.

Keywords: holy anointing oils; ancient Georgian written tradition; holy chrism; anointing with oil; chrismation; liturgical texts; Georgian manuscripts.