Notice the spelling. The virge is the staff that a Verger carries while making way for a procession. The name
comes from the Latin "virga" which simply means a rod or staff; hence,
a "Verger" is one who carries a staff. The virge can trace its
history back to the ceremonial maces carried before civic and
ecclesiastical dignitaries. The Maces of State used in the House of
Lords and the House of Commons of the British Parliament are examples
of another modern use of the medieval symbols. Originally a weapon
used to clear the way for processions (and control lunging dogs and
unruly choristers!), its use is now principally honorific. The size,
style, and shape of a virge varies from parish to parish; but one end
typically has a cross or other Christian symbol mounted on it. A
longer variation of the virge is called the "beadle", and was
originally used to lead academic processions.
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