Why are the statues veiled in Holy Week?

Veiled Statues in Holy Week.

 For many years it was the tradition that when someone died at home, the person was laid out and the mirrors and statues were covered over with a cloth.  

During Holy Week, the statues and crucifixes in the church will be covered with veils made from light purple cloth with no decoration. This is a sign that the Church is, in a sense in mourning, rather than the usual beauty and brightness that the statues bring. You will find further accurate information on this tradition  here. 

It should be remembered however that this outward sign of covering the statues and crucifix has a purpose, which is to focus the mind on the passion and death of Christ.  Remember Jesus just did not die for the whole world, but for you. Yes, that is right- if you were the only person on the earth, Jesus would have come on earth and died for you. That is how much love God has for His world and for every person in it individually.

On a personal note, for many years in my parish the statues were removed altogether. In more recent years they have been covered, although with a change of parish priest, I experienced the former form in more recent times again.  My personal preference is for the statues to be removed as it creates a sense of emptiness and bareness and assisted me to think specifically on the passion and death of Christ.  My usual visit to my favourite saint's statue had to be denied in Holy Week, but it made the return at Easter more delightful.

May you focus on the passion and death of Christ during Holy Week.