Lectern covers have significant religious importance as they are used during the time of Holy Mass to cover the lectern structure on which the sacred book rests during the reading of passages of religious scriptures.
Lectern covers are available in different types, materials and sizes and the choice of the right one depends on personal preferences and the needs of the place of worship in which it is meant to be
Lectern cover between materials and decorations
The lectern cover is a fundamental element within the Catholic liturgy, since it has the function of covering and adorning the lectern on which the sacred texts are placed during the Eucharistic celebrations. In addition, it can also be used to decorate the ambo, the elevated structure used to spread the Word of God.
Like all sacred vestments and clothing, the liturgical lectern cover shows great attention to detail. In fact, it is possible to meet a deep refinement in the cuts and decorations, as well as in the choice of precious materials and fabric used for the realization of embroidered lectern covers or ambo covers.
The lectern cover, therefore, has both a practical and a decorative function, since it represents an important element in the context of the Catholic liturgy. Thanks to its attention to beauty and quality of materials, the lectern cover becomes a symbolic element that contributes to the creation of an atmosphere of holiness and recollection during the performance of all the most important functions.
The most common materials for lectern covers are silk, linen, cotton and velvet. Most of these products have religious designs and symbols, such as the Christian cross or many small symbols that refer to the Christian religion.
Colors of the lectern cover
Like much other church’s furniture, the lectern cover is characterized by different shades of color that vary depending on the period.
- White or ivory are the most used colors and represent the solemnity of the most important liturgical events, such as Christmas, Easter and Holy Thursday. This color is also used for the celebration of the various sacraments, such as Baptism, Communion, Ordination of a priest and Eucharistic Adoration.
- Red on the other hand, is the color that is used on occasions such as Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Pentecost and feasts dedicated to martyrs, apostles and evangelists. In addition, the red lectern cover is also used in the votive Masses of the Holy Spirit.
- Purple on the other hand, is used during Advent, Lent and Holy Saturday, but also during the Commemoration of the Dead, funerals and Requiem Masses.
- Pink is typically used on the Third Sunday of Advent and the Fourth Sunday of Lent, and it is often replaced by purple.
Lastly, the Marian lectern cover is usually white, but in some countries it is also represented with light-blue. In many cases, the lectern cover is enriched with symbols embroidered in gold or light-blue, which recall the figure of the Virgin Mary.
