TOVAGLIA (Tobalea). - From as early as the 6th century, but more frequently after the 10th, representations of tablecloths and altar cloths appear in mosaics and paintings of the period; inventories also often mention cloths, usually described as of "opus theutonicum" or "de Alemania."
These seem to be white-on-white embroideries, if not all of northern importation, certainly imitations of the original German type. According to Fr. Braun, the oldest altar cloth still preserved is that found in the reliquary of St. Heribert at Deutz, which predates the follow-
TOVAGLIA - TOVINI GIUSEPPE
ing lacework that developed alongside and flourished in these precious needle and bobbin works (v. MERLETTO; STOFFE).
- See pl. XLI.
Liturgical prescriptions regarding cloths. - The rubrics of the Missal prescribe that the altar for the celebration of Holy Mass be covered with three cloths: two (or one folded) to cover the entire sacred table, at least the sacred stone in portable altars; the third, the uppermost, to hang down on both sides of the altar to the lowest step. In the Middle Ages, the third cloth also served to cover the chalice, from which the corporal derives. They must be of pure linen in memory of the Shroud in which the body of Jesus Christ was wrapped for burial, and they are blessed. Beneath the three cloths, directly on the table, a strong waxed cloth, called the *crismale*, is placed to protect the cloths from moisture; it is prescribed by the Pontifical to protect them from the Oil after the consecration of the altar.
The cloth is one of the oldest paraments, and it befits the altar for its cleanliness, devotion, and reverence. In the museum of S. Vitale in Ravenna, one sees the altar covered by a large white cloth, edged with fringe, decorated in the center with a rosette and on the sides with embroidered panels (v. illustration under the heading MELCHISEDECH). Originally, the altar was covered only at the time of the celebration of Holy Mass, as is still done today for the functions of Good Friday. Originally, there was a single cloth, but from the 8th century onward, more began to be used. In Rome at the time of Burcardo, papal master of ceremonies (d. 1506), three were in use.
To protect it from dust or other impurities, before and after sacred functions the uppermost cloth is covered by a cloth called the *vesperale* or *coprialtare*, made of any material and color. It is not removed during Vespers, not even in pontifical functions; it is sufficient to fold it during the incensation (Caer. Episc., II, cap. 1, n. 13).