Images as the "Bible of the poor"

The idea of the hunger cloth comes from an old church custom that dates back to before the year 1000 AD. The cloths depicted images from the history of salvation in the Old and New Testaments. On the one hand, they covered the sacred events at the altar; on the other, they told the biblical stories and presented them in pictures as a "poor man's Bible" to the congregation, most of whom were illiterate.

Art as a place of dialogue

Art is more than just a pretty show. It is an element in the organisation of communal life. It springs from the deepest essence of man and is based on a treasure trove of universally understandable patterns. That is why it can be understood universally. Art, culture and religion are places where utopias are designed and discussed. Artists can provide impetus and help with orientation.

The Misereor hunger cloths as illustrations of faith

Over the decades, the Misereor hunger cloths have become an integral part of Lent in many Christian churches around the world. With their impressive imagery, they bear witness to solidarity with the poor, the weak and the marginalised and are always a challenge to our Christianity and our lifestyle.

The Misereor hunger cloths
The Misereor hunger cloths

Since 1976, Misereor has presented a hunger cloth every second year during Lent, designed by…

Since 1976, Misereor has presented a hunger cloth every second year during Lent, designed by committed artists from Africa, Latin America and Asia. Art should become a place of dialogue: The hunger cloths invite contemplation and provide insights into the lives and beliefs of people from cultures foreign to us. In this booklet you will find a presentation of all the hunger cloths that have been published with further information on the background to the works and the artists.

  • Publisher: Misereor
  • January 2019
  • Pages: 52
More information Less information

Since 1976, Misereor has presented a hunger cloth every second year during Lent, designed by committed artists from Africa, Latin America and Asia. Art should become a place of dialogue: The hunger cloths invite contemplation and provide insights into the lives and beliefs of people from cultures foreign to us. In this booklet you will find a presentation of all the hunger cloths that have been published with further information on the background to the works and the artists.

  • Publisher: Misereor
  • January 2019
  • Pages: 52
More information Less information
Download
Order material for the Misereor hunger cloths
Order material for the Misereor hunger cloths

The various materials invite you to take a closer look at the Misereor hunger cloths of past years.

  • W…

The various materials invite you to take a closer look at the Misereor hunger cloths of past years.

  • Workbooks
  • Meditations
  • Art prints
  • music CDs
  • and much more.
More information Less information

The various materials invite you to take a closer look at the Misereor hunger cloths of past years.

  • Workbooks
  • Meditations
  • Art prints
  • music CDs
  • and much more.
More information Less information

Stay informed

Are you interested in the Misereor Lent campaign, campaigns and materials relating to church life and worship? We will keep you up to date with our e-mail newsletter for parishes.

Subscribe to the Community newsletter

We will keep you informed about news from the Lent campaign, campaigns and materials relating to the church and church services.

Data is being transmitted...
Please check your e-mail inbox to complete the registration.
Enter another e-mail address
Hunger cloth 2025-2026

Discover the new Misereor hunger cloth "Gemeinsam träumen - Liebe sei Tat" by Konstanze Trommer.

Share this page