+JMJ+
As we begin our Advent season, I've been blessed to participate in The Advent Veiling Project (#ProjectVeil). Three Catholic bloggers have united to promote this devotion and five veil companies (including Silver Hill Treasures) are sponsoring veil giveaways. Silver Hill will be giving away one authentic Spanish Medallion mantilla (pictured above) in a color chosen by the winner from our available inventory. Learn more about #ProjectVeil here.
There's even a Facebook page for the project, and just the other day one of the group members asked about wearing veils in colors other than the traditional black, white and beige. Is there a right or wrong color? How do you know what color to wear, and when to wear it?
What's the right color?
In a nutshell, the right color for you is whatever color you feel comfortable in! There was a time when it was expected that single women wore white or beige veils, and married women wore black. Now that veiling is making a comeback, there really are no "rules" as far as color. Which, of course, leaves it up to us to decide. And I don't know about you, but for me - I see so many pretty colors that it's at times overwhelming! So let's start with the neutral colors.
The Neutrals
Neutrals are always a good choice. They match well with any outfit, and are classic and traditional. You can't go wrong with a veil in black, white, beige (ecru, ivory), navy, brown, gray and even light peach.
I truly believe that a neutral is the best choice for a first veil. Why? You can get used to wearing a veil without the added concern of matching. Some of the neutrals can also be worn seasonally (for example, peach for Easter). A neutral veil is the "little black dress" of veils!
Following the Liturgical Seasons or the Four Seasons
Many women choose to follow the Liturgical seasons, matching their veil color to the priest's vestments or to the colors commonly associated with that season. Some colors can double as Advent, Lent and Easter veils (purples and pinks).
Other ladies choose to follow the four seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. Here are a few examples:
For Advent, Lent or Easter:
For Christmas or Winter:
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with Metallic Accents
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For Spring, Summer and Fall:
Honoring Mary
The color blue is associated with the Virgin Mary, and some women choose to wear blue to honor her, especially on Marian days. Blue veils also double as neutral (navy), Easter (pastel blues), and summer veils!
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Where to Start
If you are new to veiling, I suggest you choose a neutral veil for your first one. Wear it around the house until you feel comfortable with it on your head. Then wear it to Adoration, and finally to Mass!
When you are ready to take the color leap, start wearing a different color veil at the beginning of a new liturgical season. The Advent Veiling Project is a great example of this. Having a friend to do this with also makes it easier, so ask around. You'll be surprised how having a "partner in crime" makes it fun, too!
At the end of the day, it's all about preference. Wear the veil that you feel comfortable in. Don't push yourself to wear a new color if truly you are at ease in your black or beige veil.
I'll leave you with this beautiful image that my friend Betty shared: a priest was once asked what he thought of veils in different colors, and he said he loved turning to look at the congregation and seeing all the lovely colors. It made him think of the garden of heaven.
Pax Deum.
Great post! :) This is the best post on veil colors that I have come across! It is comforting to hear that a priest is happy to see other colors as well. I was struggling with it for a while (really wanting some color or sparkle but not wanting to be 'too much'). I feel that God gave us countless beautiful colors and as long as one does not approach different colors with vanity but as His children & for His glory. So I have been wearing colored scarves on feast days to give my white one a brake. To Jesus through Mary! ~Elise
ReplyDeleteThanks, Elise, you're too kind. I've also struggled with wearing a color, and I think tomorrow might be the day!
DeleteExcellent article!
ReplyDeleteThank you, blessings!
Deletehahaha, Ive been wearing colors since before colors were cool ;) When I first started veiling, years ago now, I asked about what color a womans veil should be. The lady I was talking to said it was all about tradition in the area, and if you were the first one to veil in that area, well I guess YOU make the traditions! So I started out with black.. then very soon started matching liturgical colors, and then I got tired of green, and on Ordinary time days I started matching my outfits ;) I had to make all my own veils because at that time, though there were a few veil companies, most of them sold only black, white, or beige veils. LOVE that you guys are bringing COLOR to the Veil, I think more people will be attracted to veils if they are pretty, as well as reverent. God bless your ministry! now if only I could get you guys to go LONGER lol.
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