My friend Selina was ordained as a priest on Sunday. She celebrated her first communion tonight, for which I was privileged to be asked to sing the psalm (139, Perry).
What struck me was the use of the word ‘celebrate’ for a priest leading the people in communion. Taking a peek at my Latin dictionary tells me that celebrare is the verb for ‘to frequent, to repeat’. It seems to be used to describe the Roman festal gatherings. So, in that way we all celebrate. I don’t know if ancient Roman parties were also celebrations, but I imagine they were. It all gives me the sense of a great get together for a special occasion.
The word ‘celebrity’ - the new aristocracy - is linked here. My Latin dictionary gives celebritas as ‘concourse (the place of celebration), solemnity (the religious feast), celebrity’. I was rather stunned by the link between ‘solemnity’ and ‘celebrity’ - we can certainly do with more of the former and less of the latter. However, I would imagine that not only special occasions were celeber - frequented by busy throngs - but also famous people. Hence, a celebrity is someone to whom one throngs.
- Garzo.
