The calyx is a sacred vessel used in the Christian liturgy. to contain the wine which, when consecrated during the Eucharist, becomes the blood of Christ. Its use goes directly back to the Last Supper, when Jesus shared the bread and wine with his disciples, instituting the sacrament of the Eucharist. Since that time, the chalice has become one of the most symbolic and revered liturgical objects in Christianity.
Although it was originally a common cup, probably made of ceramic or simple metal, over time the chalice acquired greater relevance and ornamentation. Today, it is made of noble materials such as gold or silver, following specific Church guidelines, and is usually decorated with religious motifs that elevate its symbolic and spiritual value.
The The use of the chalice dates back to the Last Supper.narrated in the Gospels, where Jesus takes a cup of wine, blesses it and gives it to his disciples saying: "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you." (Lk 22:20). This gesture marks the beginning of the link between the chalice and redemption, making this object an indispensable element in the Eucharistic celebration.
The word "chalice" comes from the Latin calix, which in turn derives from the Greek kalyxand simply meant "cup". But after that foundational moment of the Last Supper, the chalice acquired a new, deeply spiritual and sacramental meaning, which remains valid in today's Christian liturgy.
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Although Christianity gave the chalice a unique meaning, this object already had ritual uses in earlier cultures. In the Jewish tradition, for example, special goblets were used during the Pesach SederThe Last Supper, a celebration commemorating the departure from Egypt, was probably a ritual supper with blessed wine. The Last Supper, in that paschal context, was probably a ritual supper with blessed wine, which explains the presence of a cup with liturgical connotations.
After the spread of Christianity and its institutionalization in the Roman Empire, chalices began to be made with precious metals and ornamental designs. In the early centuries, austere chalices were still used, but as time went by, pieces decorated with Christian iconography, biblical inscriptions and increasingly complex goldsmithing techniques emerged.
In the Bible, the chalice has a strong symbolic charge, appearing in several key scenes. In the Garden of Olives, Jesus prays to the Father saying: "If possible, let this chalice pass from me." (Mt 26:39), referring to the suffering he was about to undergo. In this passage, the cup represents pain, sacrifice and acceptance of the divine plan.
But it is also a symbol of redemption. During the Last Supper, Jesus institutes the chalice as a sign of the new covenant, saying: "This chalice is the new covenant in my blood." (Lk 22:20). That is to say, the wine contained in the chalice, consecrated, becomes the blood of the sacrifice that frees from sin.
St. Paul also refers to the chalice in his First Letter to the Corinthians: "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not communion with the blood of Christ?" (1 Cor 10:16). Here, the chalice is a symbol of communion, participation and unity of the Mystical Body.
Christian tradition has for centuries searched for the original chalice used by Jesus at the Last Supper, also known as the Holy Grail. Although there are several relics that claim that title, one of the most recognized and venerated is the Holy Chalice of the Cathedral of Valencia (Spain).
This piece consists of an agate upper cup, dated between the 1st century B.C. and 1st century A.D., mounted on a later Romanesque style base. It has been studied by archaeologists, art historians and theologians.
One of the most recent analyses was carried out by Professor Gabriel Songel, of the Universitat Politècnica de València, who concluded in 2024 that the chalice was assembled around the 11th century by reusing a much older cup, compatible with the period of Jesus. The study highlights Celtic and Visigothic influences in the details of the handles and filigree, which would reinforce its connection with early Christianity.
This relic has been used on several occasions by Popes, such as John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis, during solemn masses celebrated in Valencia.
In the Catholic liturgy, the chalice is the vessel into which wine is poured during mass. After the consecrationThe wine becomes the blood of Christ, and the chalice becomes a sacred object containing the central mystery of the Christian faith.
In addition to its functional use, the chalice is a symbol of the real presence of Christ and of the sacrificial self-giving that is renewed at every Mass.. During the liturgy, the priest raises the chalice at the moment of the doxology, and in some celebrations the faithful also receive communion from it.
Liturgical norms require that the chalice be made of noble material, preferably metal, and that the cup be gilded on the inside. Its design should reflect dignity, reverence and beauty, so that it expresses the importance of the act being celebrated.
| Appearance | Description |
| Liturgical function | It contains the wine which, after the consecration, becomes the blood of Christ during the Eucharist. |
| Biblical foundation | Last Supper (Lk 22:20), Passion of Christ (Mt 26:39), and St. Paul's letter (1 Cor 10:16). |
| Main symbolism | Redemption, sacrifice, obedience, communion with Christ. |
| Permitted materials | Preferably noble metals (gold, silver). The interior should be gilded if not gold. |
| Liturgical norms | It must be dignified, beautiful and stable. It is purified after communion. Only authorized ministers may handle it. |
| Design and ornamentation | It can include Christian iconography, liturgical inscriptions, handcrafted decoration. Granda offers classic and contemporary models. |
| Symbolic presence | It is elevated next to the paten in the doxology. It can be offered to the faithful in communion under the two species. |
| Historical relevance | It evolved from simple cups to ornamental chalices after the Edict of Milan (313 A.D.). The Holy Chalice of Valencia is one of the most studied and venerated. |
In the United States, the chalice in the liturgy remains a liturgical object of great symbolic value. In many parishes, chalices are donated by the faithful as a memorial to loved ones or as personal offerings. They often include commemorative inscriptions, family names or biblical quotations, which gives them an even more special character.
Although the chalice is an object with centuries of history, its design continues to evolve to meet the aesthetic, pastoral and liturgical needs of the present. Today, many workshops of sacred goldsmiths, such as Grandawork from an approach that combines respect for traditionThe result is a series of pieces that enrich the liturgical experience.
Today, chalices must not only comply with the liturgical norms of the Church (in terms of materials, shape and use), but they must also convey beauty and sacrednesshelping to elevate the spirits of those who participate in the mass. This visual and symbolic component is essential, especially in contexts where sacred art has a formative and evangelizing role.
In addition, there is a growing appreciation of the possibility of customizationReligious communities, seminaries or parishes may commission chalices with commemorative inscriptions, coats of arms, dates or symbols of their spiritual identity. This trend reflects the desire to make the chalice not only a liturgical instrument, but also a unique sign of belonging, memory and devotion.
In this context, Granda's work stands out for offering a range of chalices ranging from classical models of Romanesque or Gothic inspiration, to modern designs with more refined lines (always made with traditional goldsmithing techniques and materials of the highest quality). Attention to detail, fidelity to Christian symbolism and openness to the specific needs of each community make its chalices true works of art at the service of the liturgy.
Since 1891, Granda is dedicated to embellishing the liturgy by creating sacred objects that combine art, faith and tradition. Founded by the priest and artist D. Félix Granda y Buylla, the company has been a pioneer in the revival of sacred art, remaining faithful to the theological and aesthetic principles of the Church.
Granda offers a extensive collection of liturgical chalicesEach piece is unique, made with noble materials such as gold, silver or semiprecious stones, and meets both liturgical and artistic criteria. Each piece is unique, made with noble materials such as gold, silver or semi-precious stones, and responds to both liturgical and artistic criteria. In its catalog you can find classic models, inspired by medieval and Renaissance tradition, as well as contemporary designs that follow the current standards of worship.
In addition, Granda allows the chalice customizationWhether for commemorations, anniversaries, donations or specific needs of a religious community. This approach, together with careful attention to detail, has made Granda an international reference in liturgical goldsmithing.
