PALMATORIA (BUGIA, cerarium).
- A low candlestick, carried in the palm of the hand (whence the name), or a small plate of metal or other material, with a handle and, in the middle, a socket into which a candle is inserted. It is used in pontifical functions, practically in order to see clearly while reading, but more as a sign of honour, since it is held even when «there is so much light that there is no need of a light for reading» (Catalani, Caerem. episc., I, I [V. BIBLICA.], chap. 11, 1-4; chap. 20, 1).
It is also called «bugia» (French bougie, from the Algerian city of Bugia, a centre 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 σκάτων ἐλώνω = I drive away the darkness).
It is a distinctive privilege of cardinals, bishops, abbots, and other prelates entitled to it (e.g., Dominican provincials; the canons of certain basilicas; the parish priests of Rome). It is carried by an acolyte («minister de candela», «bugiarius»), wearing surplice and, in certain functions, also a cope, and is always accompanied by the acolyte carrying the book. In solemn papal functions only the lighted candle is used, without the palmatoria, because it is said that the pope’s light needs no earthly support.