antependia Definition
a decorative hanging or panel placed on or near the front of an altar in a Christian church.
Using antependia: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "antependia" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The antependia on the altar were changed to match the liturgical season.
Example
The intricate embroidery on the antependia was breathtaking.
Example
The church commissioned a new set of antependia for their upcoming anniversary.
Phrases with antependia
altar frontal
a similar decorative hanging or panel placed on the front of an altar
Example
The church decided to replace the old altar frontal with a new antependium.
colors used in the decoration of churches for specific seasons or events in the Christian liturgical calendar
Example
The antependia were changed to reflect the liturgical colors of Advent.
a garment worn by clergy during religious services
Example
The priest's vestments matched the color of the antependia on the altar.
Summary: antependia in Brief
'Antependia' [an-tuh-pen-dee-uh] are decorative hangings or panels placed on or near the front of an altar in a Christian church. They are often changed to match the liturgical season and can be intricately embroidered. 'Antependia' are sometimes called 'altar frontals,' and their colors may match the vestments worn by clergy during religious services.