Altar cloths are used by various religions to cover an altar, including Christianity, ancient Judaism, Buddhism, Paganism and Neopaganism. The cloth is used to protect the altar surface from damage or wear, to beautify a mundane surface, as a sign of respect to the deity or sacredness of the altar, to represent or strengthen an intended purpose, and any other reason you can think of. You may wish to have one cloth you use all the time, or have a variety you alternate between based on your purpose or personal preference.

Some cloths are so pretty they are also used as wall hangings, curtains, bedspreads, throws, scarves or shawls depending on their size.