gradines

In the case of non-freestanding altars, the crowding of the gradines with a mountain of flowers and other items, as is not infrequently witnessed at times like Christmas and Easter (see image), is likewise an issue for precisely the same reasons.

Seasonal and Festal Decoration of Altars and Sanctuaries 2009

In addition to these artistic appointments, the Oratory has now commissioned the following reredos which will evidently house the tabernacle and has gradines as well.

Signs of Further Growth from the Oratory of Ss. Gregory and Augustine, St. Louis 2009

In the case of altars with gradines, a tasteful restraint seems best.

Seasonal and Festal Decoration of Altars and Sanctuaries 2009

This is thereby not placed upon the consecrated mensa of the altar itself and thus presents a compromise which is probably more in keeping with traditional gradines, and which may resolve any debate about the question of temporary gradines upon the mensa.

Another Altar "Metamorphosis" and Some Suggestions 2009

Another possibility, however, where it is felt a gradine is absolutely necessary for some reason (and I should note I am not against gradines generally; my thinking here is simply as it pertains to temporary gradines upon the mensa) is to instead build one from the ground up which will sit behind the altar on the ground.

Another Altar "Metamorphosis" and Some Suggestions 2009

_Antigone_ played at Orange, and seated on the gradines of the amphitheatre, facing the blue horizon of Provence, still behold blood flowing in the arena.

A Literary History of the English People From the Origins to the Renaissance Jean Jules Jusserand

This, however, was hardly a true buffet, and was the very antithesis of the primary arrangement, in which the huge goblets and beakers and fantastic pieces of plate, of which so extremely few examples are left, were displayed upon the open "gradines."

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 3 "Brescia" to "Bulgaria" Various

Nothing can be more exact than the preservation of the gradines; not a block has sunk from its place, and whatever trifling injuries they may have received have been carefully repaired.

Dreams Waking Thoughts and Incidents Beckford, William 1891

A smooth turf covers its surface, from which a spacious row of gradines rises to a majestic elevation.

Dreams Waking Thoughts and Incidents Beckford, William 1891

I liked the idea of being thus shut in on every side by endless gradines, abandoned to a stillness and solitude I was so peculiarly disposed to taste.

Dreams Waking Thoughts and Incidents Beckford, William 1891