CROTALO (χρόταλον, crotalum). — A percussion instrument, corresponding to castanets, of Oriental origin, attested in Greece already before the 5th century B.C., and in Egypt from the 2nd millennium. Used especially in dances to mark the rhythm. It never entered into liturgical use. However, the word crotalum, in the Ambrosian Missal and in the Memoriale rituum, has been used to designate the crepitacula (q.v.), which replace, during the last days of Holy Week, the bells.
CROTALO (ΧΡΌΤΑΛΟΝ, CROTALUM)
