Joshua Bennett
The mantilla is a traditional female liturgical lace or silk veil or shawl worn over the head and often the shoulders. It is commonly worn by Catholic women during church services and special occasions. The practice of wearing a mantilla is rooted in the Bible, specifically Corinthians 11, where Saint Paul encourages women to cover their heads when they pray as a symbol of a woman's subordination to God. While the wearing of mantillas is no longer required, some Catholic women continue to wear them as a sign of humility and purity. If you're interested in making your own mantilla, there are a few things you'll need to consider, such as the type of fabric and colour, as well as whether you want to include a comb or other ornamentation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A traditional female liturgical lace or silk veil or shawl worn over the head and shoulders |
| Other Names | Chapel veil |
| Origin | Spain |
| Religious Affiliation | Catholic, Plymouth Brethren, Mennonite, Eastern Orthodox |
| Materials | Lace, silk |
| Colors | Black, white, gold |
| Comb | Optional; used to hold the mantilla in place |
| Occasions | Church services, weddings, processions, dances, bullfights, Holy Week, audiences with the Pope |
| Symbolism | Humility, purity, subordination to God, submission to Christ, life-bearing vessel |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right fabric
When selecting lace for your mantilla, consider the type of lace and the colour. Black and white are the most common colours for mantillas, with black being traditional for audiences with the Pope and white being appropriate for church weddings. You can also find lace in various colours to match your outfit or the occasion. If you prefer a simpler look, opt for a solid colour lace without any patterns or designs. On the other hand, you can choose a lace with floral or intricate patterns for a more ornate and elegant mantilla.
The weight and opacity of the fabric are also important considerations. As mantillas are typically worn over the head and shoulders, choose a lightweight fabric that is comfortable and easy to drape. Avoid sheer or transparent lace, as it is considered inappropriate for Catholic mantillas. Instead, select an opaque fabric that provides adequate coverage.
In addition to the type of fabric, you may also want to consider adding a comb to your mantilla. A comb, known as a "peineta," is often used to hold up the mantilla and add height. It is an ornamental comb, usually in a tortoiseshell colour, consisting of a convex body and a set of prongs. If you plan to include a comb, ensure that the fabric is sturdy enough to support its weight and that the comb is securely attached.
Finally, think about the occasion for which you are making the mantilla. For formal events such as weddings or Holy Week processions, you may want to choose a more luxurious or ornate fabric, such as French or Spanish lace. For everyday use or more casual events, a simpler fabric such as cotton voile or a lightweight chiffon may be more appropriate. Ultimately, the choice of fabric depends on your personal preference, the desired look, and the functionality you want your mantilla to have.
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Picking a colour
When picking a colour for your Catholic mantilla, it is important to consider the occasion and the message you want to convey. Mantillas, or chapel veils, are traditionally worn by Catholic women as a symbol of humility, purity and modesty, and as an act of veiling a woman's physical beauty so that the glory may be given to God.
White mantillas are commonly worn by Eastern Orthodox women and are also appropriate for church weddings. However, if the wedding is in a Catholic Church, it may be best to avoid white so as not to match the bride. Black mantillas are traditionally worn when a woman has an audience with the Pope, but it is also important to avoid black at weddings so as not to appear to be in mourning. A black and gold combination is a great, subtle option for festive occasions.
You can also choose to match the colour of your mantilla to your outfit. For example, pairing a grey veil with a grey outfit or a black and blue veil with a blue outfit. If you are attending a Holy Week procession in Spain, you may want to consider a white lace mantilla as this is traditionally worn during this occasion.
It is worth noting that the early Christian Church's Apostolic Tradition specified that Christian headcoverings should be made of opaque cloth rather than thin linen. Therefore, when choosing a colour, consider the opacity of the fabric as well.
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Cutting the fabric
Firstly, decide on the shape of your mantilla. Traditionally, chapel veils or mantillas are either circular or triangular. The circular style is often referred to as a "chapel veil", while the triangular style is more commonly known as a "Spanish mantilla".
Next, select the type of fabric you wish to use. Mantillas are typically made from lace, silk, or lightweight ornamental fabric. It is important to note that the early Christian Church's Apostolic Tradition specified that Christian headcoverings should be made from "opaque cloth, not with a veil of thin linen". Therefore, when choosing a lace or silk fabric, ensure it is not too sheer.
Now, you can begin cutting your fabric. For a circular mantilla, fold your fabric into quarters to find the centre point, and then cut a curved line to create the circular shape. You can adjust the radius of the circle depending on how much coverage you desire. A good starting point is to measure the distance from your neck to just above your waist, and then add a few extra inches for a graceful drape.
For a triangular mantilla, fold your fabric in half and cut from the folded corner to the opposite corner to create a straight edge. Then, decide how much coverage you want on your shoulders and cut the fabric accordingly. You can make the triangle larger or smaller depending on your preference.
Finally, consider the edges of your fabric. You may wish to leave the raw edge as is for a more modern look, or you can add a decorative trim or lace edging to give it a more elegant finish. If you are using a fabric that frays easily, such as lace, it is recommended to finish the edges with a simple hem or bias binding to prevent excessive fraying.
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Adding a comb
A comb is a great way to keep your mantilla on your head during mass. You can buy a mantilla with a sewn-in comb, or you can sew one on yourself.
First, decide which side of the fabric will be on the outside. Most laces have one "outside" that's slightly nicer. Then, sew the comb on slightly behind the front centre of the veil on the "inside". You don't want the comb to show, so set it back from the end by about half a centimeter.
If your veil is pale, you don't need to wrap the comb with fabric. However, if your veil is black, you can wrap the comb with a strip of scrap fabric so that it doesn't show up as a shiny plastic piece at the crown of your head. If your fabric is stiff, only attach the ends of the comb to avoid affecting the stiff ripples.
If you don't want to sew a comb into your mantilla, you can also use bobby pins or other hair clips to keep it in place.
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Storing your mantilla
To keep your mantilla in pristine condition, it is important to store it properly. Here are some tips for storing your mantilla:
Keep it dust-free: One of the best ways to store your mantilla is to keep it in a small plastic bag. This will protect it from dust and ensure that it remains clean and ready to use. You can also purchase a snag-free pull-string satin chapel veil carrying bag, which is a larger and more durable option.
Storage after washing: If you need to wash your mantilla, it is important to follow the appropriate care instructions. For handmade veils, a gentle hand wash with cold water and mild soap is recommended. After washing, lay the mantilla flat to dry. If needed, you can run it through the dryer on a delicate cycle with a fabric softener sheet to reduce stiffness. Finally, if necessary, use a cool iron to smooth out any remaining wrinkles.
Storage for French and Spanish mantillas: It is recommended to dry clean French and Spanish mantillas due to their delicate nature. After cleaning, you can store them in the plastic bags or satin carrying bags mentioned earlier to keep them dust-free and protected.
Proper storage of your mantilla will not only keep it looking beautiful but will also ensure that it lasts for years to come. By following these simple tips, you can maintain the quality and condition of your mantilla, allowing you to continue using it for special occasions or whenever you attend Mass.
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Frequently asked questions
You can make a mantilla using liturgical lace or silk.
Catholic mantillas are typically black or white, but you can also match the colour of your outfit.
A mantilla is worn as a veil or shawl over the head and shoulders, often over a high hair ornament called a peineta.
