chrism

A mixture of oil, usually olive oil, and balsam that is consecrated for use as an unguent in the administration of certain sacraments (baptism, confirmation, and ordination) and in the performance of certain ecclesiastical functions in the Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican churches. It is consecrated on Maundy Thursday by bishops in the West and by patriarchs in the East. In Orthodox churches the mixture can also include other ingredients such as wine, nuts, and gum. The annointing with chrism is sometimes called chrismation, especially after baptism.