LENTEN VEIL

Handmade lace lenten veil, which for the first time during this lent covered the main altarpiece in the parish church of St. Joseph the Worker in Idrija
Exhibition opening: June 13th at 5:15 PMGuided tours on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at 5:00 PM, and on Saturday, June 15, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Lenten veils are painted fabrics that cover altars in churches from Ash Wednesday to Easter.

In the past, they were created as an expression of folk devotion during Lent, a time for self-reflection when people should avoid looking at the altar and altar images. They were an expression of people’s efforts to pay homage and thank God for salvation. Lenten veils, like nativity scenes, adorn churches and are suitable for the church year. They are part of the history of Slovenia and other nations living in our part of Europe.

Most lenten veils have been lost over time, while many of these treasures have been preserved in Carinthia and are still used today. They are respected by both Slovene and German speakers.

During this lent, a new lenten veil made of Idrija lace covered the altarpiece in the Idrija parish church, enriching the beauty of the liturgical space.

Artfully crafted, it covers the central painting of the triptych above the altar, depicting the Risen Christ between the images of St. Barbara and St. Joseph the Worker as patrons of the Idrija parish. It measures 3 meters in height and 1.5 meters in width. The veil is lace, as befits Idrija.

The painting is divided into four parts by a cross, white in color, in a meander pattern typical of Greek and Roman culture. Due to the continuous meander pattern, it symbolizes infinity and the eternal flow of things, as well as friendship, love, and devotion that never ends. The horizontal line intersects the vertical line directly above the heart of the Risen Christ, whose concealed image shines through the lace. On the dark colors predominating on the lower side of the painting, there are three drops of blood. The dark colors transition to light ones towards the top until the cross of salvation shines in the sun of Easter morning.

For the making of the veil, the author drew 17 different patterns, from which lace makers created 63 pieces in eight different colors.

On February 25th, on the second Sunday of Lent, during the morning mass, parish priest Marko Rijavec blessed it and thanked all those involved for their excellent work.

Idea, design, and pattern drawing: Anica Jereb

Lace makers: Ivanka Čibej, Milica Erjavec, Katja Gnezda, Andra Jereb, Silva Makuc, Mimica Pellis, Marta Simnovčič, Marija Tominec, Ljuba Tratnik

Coordination and sewing: Ljuba Tratnik

Technical assistance and advice: Jure Jereb and Anica Kovačič