altar cloth

Sacred table covering

An altar cloth is a decorative covering placed over an altar in a church or other place of worship.

Typically made of linen, silk, or other fine fabric, altar cloths may be plain white or embroidered with religious symbols and are often changed according to the liturgical season.

The cloth serves both practical and ceremonial purposes, protecting the altar surface while adding solemnity to religious services.

liturgical

corporal

Of the flesh

pallGrow tiresome or dull
frontalOf the fore side
veilFabric that obscures

chancel · sanctuary · mass · communion · chalice · paten

material

linen

Flax-derived textile

damaskReversible figured fabric
silkFine woven insect fiber
brocadeRaised-pattern luxury fabric

velvet · embroidery · goldwork · lacework · fringe · appliqué · hemstitching · whitework · cutwork · needlework

care

washing

Cleaning with liquid

ironingSmoothing cloth with heat
foldingBending something over itself
starchingApplying stiffener to fabric

storing · blessing · consecration · purification · reverence · handling · laundering · pressing · mending · preservation

symbolism

white

Absence of pigment

purpleHue between crimson and azure
greenColor of vegetation
redPrimary color, warm

gold · cross · lamb · dove · wheat · grapes · Trinity · resurrection · seasonal · Advent

altar cloth

corporal

linen

washing

white

altar cloth

Opposites

Categories

Family