BALDACCHINO. – An object generally square or rectangular in shape, made of wood or fabric, with hanging draperies and ornamentation, which is either fixed in place or carried over sacred objects or eminent persons as a sign of honor. Originally, b. (Baudequinus, baldehinus) signified a precious Oriental fabric, called baldracco, originating from Bagdād. In medieval texts the b. is called: baldachinus, conopaeum, supratentorium, caelatura, papilio, etc. In Milan it is called capocielo.
Today this name is generally used to indicate: 1º A wooden or fabric covering with hanging draperies and ornamentation descending from above over the altar. 2º The covering found above the throne or seat of honor of some ecclesiastical or civil dignitary, even in a non-liturgical setting. 3º A large rectangular tent of silk or gold or silver fabric, supported by four, six, or eight poles, carried in processions over the Blessed Sacrament, over the relic of the Holy Cross, over the person of the Supreme Pontiff, and over other dignitaries, whether prelates or secular princes, as indicated by the ceremonial of bishops. Under the b. the bishop proceeds when making his entrance into the episcopal see and on the most solemn occasions (Caer. Episc., I, chap. 2, no. 4). The b. is fixed or portable. ciborium (v.). In addition to the b.
The patron of a church may not erect the b. therein (can. 1455); the same applies to the capitular vicar, even if he is a bishop, in the cathedral (can. 435). In the Sistine Chapel, during the conclave, each cardinal sits beneath a b.; once the election has taken place, the b. are lowered, with the exception of that of the newly elected pope.
The b., placed over the altar to protect its mensa, is discussed by Durando and by various 13th-century diocesan statutes cited by Fr. Braun. The portable b. is treated in the Ordo of Canon Bernardo (ca. 1143), the Ordo of Cencio (ca. 1200), and by Innocent III, who dwells at length on its symbolism. The practice of carrying it in procession with the Blessed Sacrament dates from the 14th century.
The b. is recommended above the altar where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved, and is obligatory in oratories when, by indult of the Holy See, they are located beneath a room used as a dormitory. — Vedi Tav. XLVI.