Editing Veil (section)

==== Veiling of objects ====
<!-- [[Chalice veil]] redirects here -->
{{See also|Altar cloth}}
[[File:Aer on a Chalice and Discos.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Aër]] covering a [[Chalice (cup)|chalice]] and [[Paten|diskos]] on the [[Prothesis (altar)|prothesis]]]]
[[File:Autel.matutinal.abbaye.Saint.Denis.png|thumb|200px|Sanctuary in the [[Basilique Saint-Denis]] showing veiling to either side of the altar<ref>''Dictionary of French Architecture from 11th to 16th century'' [1856] by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc</ref>]]
[[File:StMartin43-53.JPG|thumb|200px|An altar cross veiled during [[Holy Week]]]]
[[File:Welon, bursa i stuła.jpg|thumb|200px|Western burse and chalice veil laid over the holy vessels. There is also a [[Maniple (vestment)|maniple]] sitting to the right of the chalice.]]

Among [[Christian Church|Christian churches]] which have a [[liturgy|liturgical]] tradition, several different types of veils are used. These veils are often symbolically tied to the veils in the [[Tabernacle]] in the wilderness and in [[Solomon's Temple]]. The purpose of these veils was not so much to obscure as to shield the most sacred things from the eyes of sinful men. In [[Solomon's Temple]] the veil was placed between the "Inner Sanctuary" and the "[[Holy of Holies]]". According to the New Testament, this veil was torn when [[Jesus Christ]] died on the cross.

; Tabernacle veil
: Used to cover the [[church tabernacle]], particularly in the [[Roman Catholic Church|Roman Catholic]] tradition but in some others as well, when the [[Eucharist]] is actually stored in it.<ref name=":14" /> The veil is used to remind worshipers that the (usually metal) tabernacle cabinet echoes the tabernacle tent of the [[Hebrew Bible|Hebrew Scriptures]], and it signals that the tabernacle is actually in use.<ref name=":14" /> It may be of any liturgical color, but is most often white (always appropriate for the Eucharist), [[cloth of gold]] or silver (which may substitute for any liturgical color aside from violet), or the liturgical color of the day (red, green or violet). It may be simple, unadorned linen or silk, or it may be fringed or otherwise decorated. It is often designed to match the [[vestment]]s of the [[Priest|celebrant]]s.
; Ciborium veil
: The [[Ciborium (container)|ciborium]] is a goblet-like metal vessel with a cover, used in the Roman Catholic Church and some others to hold the consecrated [[Sacramental bread|hosts]] of the Eucharist when, for instance, it is stored in the tabernacle or when [[Eucharist|communion]] is to be distributed. It may be veiled with a white cloth, usually silk. This veiling was formerly required but is now optional. In part, it signals that the ciborium actually contains the [[Consecration|consecrated]] Eucharist at the moment.
; Chalice veil
: During Eucharistic celebrations, a veil is often used to cover the [[Chalice (cup)|chalice]] and [[paten]] to keep dust and flying insects away from the bread and wine. Often made of rich material, the chalice veils have not only a practical purpose, but are also intended to show honor to vessels used for the [[sacrament]].
: In the West, a single chalice veil is normally used. The veil will usually be the same material and color as the priest's vestments, though it may also be white. It covers the chalice and paten when not actually in use on the altar.
: In the East, three veils are used: one for the chalice, one for the [[Paten|diskos]] (paten), and a third one (the [[Aër]]) is used to cover both. The veils for the chalice and diskos are usually square with four [[lappet]]s hanging down the sides, so that when the veil is laid out flat it will be shaped like a cross. The Aër is rectangular and usually larger than the chalice veil used in the West. The Aër also figures prominently in other liturgical respects.
; Humeral veil
: The [[humeral veil]] is used in both Roman Catholic and Anglican Churches during the liturgy of Exposition and [[Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament]], and on some other occasions when special respect is shown to the Eucharist. From the [[Latin]] for "shoulders," it is an oblong piece of cloth worn as a sort of [[shawl]], used to symbolize a more profound awareness of the respect due to the Eucharist by shielding the celebrant's hands from actually contacting the vessel holding the Eucharist, either a [[monstrance]] or [[Ciborium (container)|ciborium]], or in some cases to shield the vessel itself from the eyes of participants. It is worn only by [[bishop]]s, [[priest]]s or [[deacon]]s.
; Vimpa
: A [[vimpa]] is a veil or shawl worn over the shoulders of servers who carry the [[mitre|miter]] and [[crosier]] in Roman Catholic liturgical functions when they are not being used by the bishop.
; Chancel veil
: In the early liturgies, there was often a veil that separated the sanctuary from the rest of the church (again, based upon the biblical description of the Tabernacle). In the Byzantine liturgy this veil developed into the [[iconostasis]], but a veil or curtain is still used behind the [[Royal Doors]] (the main doors leading into the sanctuary), and is opened and closed at specific times during the liturgy. In the West, it developed into the Rood Veil, and later the [[Rood screen|Rood Screen]], and finally the [[chancel]] rail, the low sanctuary railing in those churches that still have this. In some of the [[Eastern Christianity|Eastern Churches]] (for instance, the [[East Syrian Rite|Syrian liturgy]]) the use of a veil across the entire sanctuary has been retained.
; Lenten veiling
: Some churches veil their crosses during [[Passiontide]] with a fine semi-transparent mesh. The color of the veil may be black, red, purple, or white, depending upon the liturgical day and practice of the church. In traditional churches, there will sometimes be curtains placed to either side of the altar.

The '''[[The Protection of the Mother of God|Veil of Our Lady]]''' is a liturgical feast celebrating the protection afforded by the [[intercession]]s of the Virgin Mary.