A low candlestick, carried in the palm of the hand (whence its name), or a small metal or other material tray with a handle and a central socket for inserting a candle. It is used in pontifical functions, practically to provide light for reading, but more as a sign of honor, because it is held even «when it is so bright that no light is needed for reading» (Catalani, Caerem. episc., I, I [see bibliography], ch. II, 1-4; ch. 20, 1).
It is also called «bugia» (French bougie, from the Algerian city of Bougie, a center of candle-making in the Middle Ages). Before the 14th century, no liturgist mentions II. Under another name it is called scotula (from the Greek σχό-τον ἐλκύω = to drive away darkness).
It is a distinctive of cardinals, bishops, abbots, and other prelates who have the privilege (e.g., Dominican provincials; basilica canons; parish priests of Rome). It is carried by an acolyte («minister de candela», «bugarius»), wearing a surplice and, in some functions, also a cope, always assisted by the book acolyte. In solemn papal functions, only the lit candle is used without a palmatoria, because it is said that the pope’s light needs no earthly support.