Chalice
Also spelled: chillum, kutchie, chalwa
Meaning
A water pipe used by Rastafari to smoke the herb ritually during reasoning and meditation. Often made from a coconut shell or horn with a tube, it is passed among participants as a shared, ceremonial act rather than a casual one.
Examples
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“Him light di chalice fi di reasoning.”
He lit the chalice for the discussion.
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“Pass di kutchie pon di lef han side.”
Pass the pipe on the left-hand side.
Echoes a well-known reggae lyric; 'kutchie' is a chalice.
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“Di chalice bubble slow.”
The water pipe bubbled slowly.
Origin
From English 'chalice', a ceremonial cup, borrowed for the sacred pipe by analogy with a communion vessel. 'Chillum' comes from Hindi, another legacy of Indian migration.
How it's used
A ritual object, not mere paraphernalia. Its use is bound up with reasoning and prayer.