Chrism, also called myrrh, myron, holy anointing oil, and consecrated oil, is a consecrated oil used in the Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Assyrian, Nordic Lutheran, Anglican, and Old Catholic churches in the administration of certain sacraments and ecclesiastical functions.
Glass vessel etched with the letters SC for sanctum chrisma containing chrism for the Roman Catholic Church.
Chrismatory for ritual oil from Germany, 1636 (silver-gilt, Victoria and Albert Museum, London)
A bishop pouring balsam into oil at Chrism Mass
The original Holy Ampulla in its relic receptacle before 1793
Myrrh is a gum-resin extracted from a few small, thorny tree species of the Commiphora genus, belonging to the Burseraceae family. Myrrh resin has been used throughout history in medicine, perfumery, and incenses. Myrrh mixed with posca or wine was widely used in many ancient cultures to produce pleasurable feelings and as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic.
Commiphora myrrha tree, one of the primary trees from which myrrh is harvested
Commiphora gileadensis (listed as "Balsamodendron ehrenbergianum")
An old bottle of Tincture of Myrrh