Rosary Workshop - History
 AGNUS DEI
PASTE DE' SS. MARTIRI  - 'MARTYR'S PASTE'
What is an Agnus Dei?  It is a sacramental made to be worn around the neck - a small disc of round or oval wax impressed with a lamb often bearing a flag or a cross on one side and other symbols on the reverse. Papal Coat of Arms,  figures or names of saints are common.   It is believed to have started in Rome about the 5th century during the last days of the overthrow of paganism in that city.
 

TWO SMALL PAPER HEARTS, WRINKLED AND WORN HAVE
BEEN CAREFULLY STITCHED CLOSED WITH BLUE COTTON
EMBROIDERY THREAD AND ATTACHED TO A ROSARY MADE

OF BLUE HEART BEADS.  MADE TO PROTECT A PIECE OF WAX
CALLED AN 'AGNUS DEI', THE TWO FRENCH KNOTS HELP
HOLD IT IN PLACE.
From the German Collection

 Written history about Agnes Dei dates back to about 820 ad.  They are traditionally made from the wax and remnants of the paschal candle from the preceeding year.  As early as 510, these wax fragments were used as 'protection against tempests and blight', states the Catholic Encyclopedia. As time went on it became a custom for the Pope to send these sacramental remnants as gifts to important people.
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During the 9th century Agnus Deis were made on Holy Saturday morning by using clean wax mixed with chrism.  Later the Pope blessed and help distribute them.  This great consecration traditionally took place during the first year of each pontificate then every 7th year after that - and continues today. Today, chrism is not used by the monks who prepare the discs of wax.
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On the wednesday of Easter Week, the Holy Father takes the discs and dips them in water with chrism and balsam. With special prayers he then distributes them the following Saturday after Mass by putting a packet into the inverted mitre of the cardinals and bishops who come up to receive them.
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The paschal candle wax is symbolic of the virgin flesh of Christ and the lamb symbol represents the victim offered in sacrifice.  The blood of the lamb reminds us of the Old Testament and how it was marked on the household for protection.  In the blessing that goes with these consecrated medallions one reads of special protection against storms and pestilence, fire and flood.  It is also traditional to protect mothers during childbirth.
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PASTE DE' SS. MARTIRI
The Catholic Encyclopedia also writes of a grey wax which receives its color from the dust of bones of martyers. they are looked upon as relics and need no special consecration. They are also called 'Martyr's Paste'.
 

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