The Lenten veil (or Lenten cloth), known as Fastentuch in German or velum quadragesimale in Latin is a depiction of the Passion of Christ on a large veil which covers up the chancel of the church during Lent. The Christian tradition of the Lenten veil is observed by Catholics and Lutherans.[1]
While the medieval tradition was fading away, it has made an unexpected come back in Germany since the Misereor charity revamped it in 1976, as a tool to fight against world hunger, connecting prayer and almsgiving in the spirit of Lent.[2][3]
Varied in iconographic content, material, and style, these re-interpretations of a medieval tradition have been adopted by both modern Roman Catholic and Evangelical Lutheran congregations.