(Latin: aurum, gold)
Oval or elliptical rays of light such as are at times visible about sun or moon, adopted early in the Middle Ages as symbol of the heavenly honor of the saints, and varying in significance under the forms of halo, glory, nimbus. Strictly, it should surround the entire figure in oval form, or the bust in circular. In early times it was made use of only in representations of God.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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