Mantilla

Origins and history

The lightweight ornamental mantilla appeared in southern Spain near the end of the 1500s. Lace versions gained popularity in the 1600s and 1700s, appearing in paintings by Velázquez and Goya. The custom stems from early Christian teachings about women covering their heads during worship. Spanish missionaries brought the practice to the Americas. In Nicaragua and Costa Rica, Bishop Nicolás García Jerez enforced opaque veils in the 1800s, threatening excommunication for transparent ones. Queen Isabella II promoted the style in the 19th century, but usage declined after her abdication in 1870. By 1900, it was mostly reserved for church and formal events.

How it is kept

The veil is made of silk, lace, or tulle and drapes over the head and shoulders. Women often place it over a peineta, a large decorative comb that lifts the fabric and adds height. Black mantillas are worn for audiences with the Pope, while white ones suit church weddings. Eastern Orthodox women in Russia wear white veils with ends crossed at the neck. Mennonite women in Argentina and Catholic women worldwide use them for prayer and ceremony. A smaller version called a toquilla exists for less formal settings.

Dress and objects

The peineta is a key accessory, resembling a wide comb usually in tortoiseshell tones. It originated in the 1800s and features a curved body with prongs that secure hair and support the veil. The comb stabilizes the mantilla during processions, dances, and weddings. It appears in regional costumes from Valencia and Andalusia. Flamenco dancers and Romani performers also incorporate it into their attire. The veil itself may be sheer or heavy, depending on the occasion and local custom.

Today and change

In Spain, women continue wearing mantillas during Holy Week, bullfights, and weddings. The privilège du blanc allows only the Spanish queen and certain Catholic sovereigns’ wives to wear white at papal audiences. Outside Spain, Mennonite communities in Argentina maintain the practice as a sign of modesty. Catholic and Plymouth Brethren women globally retain it for worship. While no longer daily wear, the mantilla persists as a meaningful garment for sacred and ceremonial moments across diverse Christian traditions.

How Mantilla is kept

Women drape a lace or silk veil over their head and shoulders, sometimes placing it atop a tall peineta comb. The veil stays in place during prayers, weddings, and festivals. Black veils mark solemn visits to the Pope, while white suits nuptial masses. Russian Orthodox women cross the ends at the neck. The peineta anchors the fabric and elevates the silhouette. Smaller toquillas serve casual needs. The garment signals piety and heritage.

When and where

Worn during church services, weddings, Holy Week, and bullfights. Dates depend on liturgical calendars and personal vows. No fixed annual month applies universally.

Strongest in Spain, especially Valencia and Andalusia. Also worn in Argentina, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Russia among specific faith groups.

What Mantilla means

The mantilla represents modesty, obedience, and reverence before God. Covering the head honors biblical instruction and communal identity. White signifies purity at weddings; black marks humility before authority. The peineta adds dignity and structure, reflecting inner strength through outward form.

Who takes part

• The bride: Wears a white mantilla during the wedding ceremony
• Female guests: May wear black or white veils depending on the event type
• The peineta wearer: Uses a decorative comb to lift and secure the veil
• Catholic women: Wears the veil during Mass and holy days
• Orthodox women: Crosses veil ends at the neck during prayer
• Mennonite women: Maintains the practice as a daily or Sunday headcovering

If you are a guest

Guests at a Spanish wedding may see women wearing mantillas. They do not need to wear one unless invited by tradition. Observers should note the color: white for brides, black for mourners or papal audiences. Respect the quiet dignity of the gesture without comment.

Then and now

Usage has narrowed since the 19th century peak. Once common daily wear, it now appears mainly at weddings, Holy Week, and religious gatherings. Some communities preserve it strictly; others treat it as historical costume. Legal status varies by region, but no laws restrict its use today.

On the wedding table

Symbols: The veil The colour white

Wedding days that Mantilla belongs to

Questions people ask about Mantilla

See also

Same-sex marriage in SpainThe national law that legalized same-sex marriage and adoption rights for couples in Spain.Russian wedding traditionsA multi-day celebration blending Orthodox crowning, ransom games, and lively toasting in Russia.MayianThe turmeric paste ceremony held the day before Punjabi weddings in India and Pakistan.JirtigA Sudanese inauguration ritual where the groom is symbolically crowned as a king.

Good reading and sources

• Mantilla on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Wedding customs differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-05.