The
pax was an object used in the
Middle Ages and Renaissance for the
Kiss of Peace in the
Catholic Mass. Direct kissing among the celebrants and congregation was replaced by each in turn kissing the pax, which was carried around those present. The form of the pax was variable but normally included a flat surface to be kissed. Often the pax was held out with a long handle attached, and it seems to have been given a wipe with a cloth between each person. Some paxes are very elaborate and expensive objects, and most survivals fall into this class, but the great majority were probably very simple wood or
brass pieces. It was usual to include an image, usually of or including the
Virgin Mary or
Jesus Christ.