The mantilla is a lace scarf worn over the head like a veil, originally popular in Spain. It is worn for special occasions and religious celebrations, and has three types distinguished by fabric or lace motif. It is often worn with an ornamental comb and is part of traditional costumes in Andalusia and Valencia.
A mantilla is a women’s lace scarf worn over the head like a veil. This type of garment is used more frequently in Spain. In fact, the word “mantilla” is Spanish for “little cloak.” Although the mantilla was once very popular, it is generally worn in modern times only for special occasions and religious celebrations.
It is possible that the origin of the mantilla is linked to the presence of the Islamic faith in Spain. Spanish Muslim women traditionally used veils to cover their faces. Later, women of the lower classes began to wear mantillas, although they were made of heavier cloth and were worn more like a coat or cape. At the end of the 16th century, upper-class ladies wore light lace mantillas. During the 17th century, Queen Elizabeth II further popularized these ornamental lace handkerchiefs.
After the death of Elizabeth II, the popularity of the mantilla began to decline. In modern times, it is mainly worn at weddings, bullfights, and during the week before Easter or Holy Week. In keeping with tradition, some Catholic women still wear mantillas to church. It is also traditional to wear one of these lace scarves for a meeting with the Pope.
There are three types of mantillas, each distinguished by a different type of fabric or lace motif. The lace variety of lace is made from two types of silk, usually with a floral motif. Chantilly lace mantillas are heavily embroidered with fruit, flower and even vegetable designs. They take their name from the city in France where the lace was originally produced. Brides tend to wear mantillas made of tulle embroidered with lace motifs.
There are only two saddle cloth colors available: black and white. White is reserved for single women, while black is worn by married women. A bride usually wears white on her wedding day.
Mantillas are large oval pieces of cloth. To wear one, a woman drapes the cloth over her head and pins it to her hair. The resulting silhouette is elegant and straight.
A mantilla is often worn with an ornamental comb or comb, which holds up the lace fabric and gives the woman the illusion of extra height. Although once made of tortoiseshell, combs are usually made of plastic or other synthetic material. This style of comb is most often worn during weddings, dances, and processions. Flamenco dancers traditionally use combs to keep their mantillas in place. The comb is also part of the typical costumes of Andalusia and Valencia.
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