In Christian tradition the Holy Chalice is the vessel which Jesus used at the Last Supper to serve the wine. The vessel is referred to in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, the word "cup" being generally used in English translations. The celebration of the Eucharist in Christian churches and communities retains the original elements of the Last Supper, the bread and the "cup" or chalice, with the celebrant using the words of Jesus, as recorded in the Gospels. There are traditions in the Catholic Church that the Holy Chalice still exists and may be identified with one of several candidates. However, the evidence supporting these claims is still widely questioned. The Holy Chalice is also associated with the Holy Grail, initially a specifically literary tradition, of medieval origin.

History and tradition

The Last Supper

The Gospel of Matthew (26:27-29) says:

This incident, traditionally known as the Last Supper, is also described by the gospel writers, Mark and Luke, and by the Apostle Paul in I Corinthians. With the preceding description of the breaking of bread, it is the foundation for the tradition of the Eucharist or Holy Communion, celebrated regularly in many Christian churches. The Bible makes no mention of the cup except within the context of the Last Supper and gives no significance whatsoever to the object itself.