altar canopy

An altar canopy, also known as a ciborium or baldachin, is a decorative covering that hangs over an altar in a church. It often consists of a fabric drape or a more elaborate structure supported by columns or poles. Its purpose is to highlight and honor the altar, which is the sacred space where religious rituals, like the Eucharist, are performed. Altar canopies can symbolize reverence and dignity, drawing attention to the altar as the spiritual focus of the worship service. They vary in style and complexity, depending on the church's tradition and architecture.