An altar girl is a young female who assists the priest during religious ceremonies in the Catholic Church. She is responsible for various tasks such as carrying the cross, lighting candles, and holding the book for the priest. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, and meaning of the term “altar girl.”
Definitions
An altar girl is a young female who assists the priest or minister during religious ceremonies. She is responsible for various tasks such as carrying the cross, lighting candles, and holding the book for the priest. Altar girls are usually between the ages of 9 and 18 and are trained to perform their duties with grace and reverence.
Origin
The practice of having altar girls in the Catholic Church began in the 1970s. Before this time, only boys were allowed to serve at the altar. However, as the role of women in the Church began to change, the Vatican gave permission for girls to serve as well. Today, many Catholic churches have both altar boys and altar girls.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, an altar girl is “a girl who assists the priest during religious ceremonies in the Roman Catholic Church.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines an altar girl as “a girl who helps the priest during a religious service, especially in the Roman Catholic Church.”
Associations
Altar girls are often associated with the Catholic Church and religious ceremonies. They are seen as young women who are dedicated to their faith and who are willing to serve their community through their work at the altar.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for altar girl include server, acolyte, and assistant.
Antonyms
There are no true antonyms for altar girl, but some related terms might include non-believer, atheist, or agnostic.
The same root words
There are no true root words for altar girl, but the term “altar” comes from the Latin word “altare,” meaning “high place.” The word “girl” comes from the Old English word “gyrle,” meaning “young person of either sex.”
Example Sentences
- The altar girl lit the candles before the start of the Mass.
- Mary was excited to become an altar girl and serve at her church.
- The priest thanked the altar girl for her help during the service.
- The altar girl carried the cross during the procession.
- The parents of the altar girl were proud of their daughter’s dedication to her faith.