«Oh noite ditosa, em que o céu se une à terra»

: uma leitura da dimensão cósmica do Exultet e da Vigília pascal

Abstract

Aiming at exploring the cosmic elements that contributed to shape the Easter feast, the present study starts by presenting the stages by which the Holy See, between 1951 and 1969, undertook the restoration of the Paschal Vigil and of Holy Week, until formally acknowledging the Easter triduum as the most important celebration of the liturgical year. Furthermore, studying the medieval Exultet rolls in Southern Italy will show a unique historical phenomenon of easter liturgy, as well as it will enable a detailed presentation of the origins of that hymn’s text. Finally, analysing the cosmic dimension of both the laus cerei and Easter will allow a deep understanding of the role played by the elements of spring, the vernal equinox, the full moon, and the night, in forming the meaning and symbolical layers of the Easter celebration.

Date of Award	9 Nov 2022
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Joaquim Félix (Supervisor)