Zittau / Dresden (dpa / sn) - Zittau has two nationwide unique Lenten cloths. At least a copy of the sacred rarities can be seen in the cathedral of the Dresden-Meißen diocese from next Wednesday (February 22). During the 40-day Lent, high-quality prints of the cloths hang in the former Dresden Hofkirche.
As the cathedral parish office announced, the large cloth from 1472 should cover the altarpiece until Good Friday, as in the original sense. The small cloth, a good 100 years younger, will be hung under the organ gallery so that the works can serve as a "spiritual medium" in the preparation for Easter, said cathedral priest Norbert Büchner. The valuable originals are exhibited in museum rooms in Zittau. The presentation of the copies in Dresden is part of an extensive anniversary program, as the city in south-eastern Saxony is celebrating this year that the Small Lenten Cloth is already 450 years old. Created in 1573, it shows the crucifixion of Christ.
According to the municipal museums in Zittau, lectures, prayers, concerts and guided tours are planned for this occasion. As in the previous year, copies of other important Lenten cloths will be hung in churches in the city and in six places in the surrounding area.
