The use of liturgical colours in Christian churches dates back to the fourth century, and has become a long-standing tradition to help differentiate between the different types of religious service to give each one the weight and meaning they deserve.
We’ve compiled this informative guide to the liturgical seasons and the colours associated with them so that you can be sure to acquire and wear the right colours at the right time and uphold the traditions of your church.
What is the History of Liturgical Seasons and Colours?
As we have already mentioned, liturgical colours first began entering churches in the West from the 4th century onwards. It can be said that Constantine began the use of liturgical colours by gifting a robe of gold thread to a bishop in Jerusalem.
From there, Pope Innocent III began the use of liturgical colours as we know them today in their traditional, sequential sense. Red, green, white, and black were the most common, with violet being used less frequently. The biggest difference here is that black is no longer used in modern services, though the colour was often associated with penitence, such as the Ambrosian rites in Lent.
Rose as a colour used for some events of the liturgical calendar year came about in the thirteenth century, supposedly arising from the tradition of the pope blessing a golden rose at certain times of the year.
The liturgical seasons meanwhile were established early in the church and were based on the life of Jesus. They also have roots that can be traced back to the Jewish calendar year that was based on the Hebrew Bible. Some similar feasts and events that can be found in the Jewish religious year include the Feast of Unleavened Bread which is related to Passover and the Feast of Weeks which corresponds with Pentecost.
What are the Liturgical Seasons?
Thoughts on the different liturgical seasons throughout the calendar can differ between the different denominations of Christianity. For example, Ordinary Time is not included in some Protestant traditions.
Generally speaking, the liturgical seasons are:
- Advent – the start of the Christian year, looking towards the birth of Christ.
- Christmas – celebrates the birth of Jesus, and lasts from Christmas Day until Epiphany on January 6th, though it also includes up to the Baptism of the Lord on January 13th.
- Ordinary Time after Epiphany – runs from Epiphany to Shrove Tuesday.
- Lent – a period of penance and preparation before the resurrection of Jesus. It starts on Ash Wednesday and lasts 40 days till Holy Saturday. These 40 days do not include Sundays.
- Easter – celebrates the resurrection of Jesus, and starts on Easter Sunday through to Pentecost 50 days later
- Pentecost – a celebration of the disciples being visited by the Holy Spirit. The feast lasts three days, but it can include 28 Sundays up until Advent.
- Ordinary Time after Pentecost – overlaps with some views on the duration of Pentecost, extending from after Pentecost Sunday and going on until the end of Advent.
Depending on which season you are holding services in, you will need to make sure you have robes of the right colour in order to carry out the religious services properly and celebrate them in the correct manner.
What are the Liturgical Colours?
Each liturgical season is assigned its own colour to symbolise each feast and service. Each of the different colours are drawn from creation and represents the different blessings of God throughout the calendar year.
The liturgical colours for each season are as follows:
- Advent – Blue/purple
- Christmas – White/gold
- Epiphany – Green
- Lent – Purple
- Easter – Red/purple for the week preceding Easter. White/gold for Easter
- Pentecost – Red
- Ordinary Time – Green
What does Each of the Liturgical Colours Symbolise?
Each of the liturgical colours holds a different meaning depending on the season, allowing Christians and the clergy to celebrate everything the religion stands for, while also giving people the opportunity to be a part of a greater community united in celebrating something they all believe in.
- Blue – is the colour of the Virgin Mary and is often associated with hope, fidelity, and aspiration.
- Purple – is often associated with penance, preparation, and sacrifice.
- Green – symbolises life, hope, and growth.
- White – symbolises purity, innocence, glory, and joy.
- Gold – generally has the same symbolic meaning as white colours.
- Red – is associated with blood, fire, God’s love, and passion.
Understanding what each liturgical colour means is an important part of connecting with God and your religion more deeply. Celebrating the meaning of each season is an important part of finding joy and hope in your own life and then sharing this with your own community in the services you lead.
Are there any Variations in Liturgical Colours for the Seasons?
Occasionally, you may find that other colours are required for days in the liturgical seasons that differentiate from the common colour.
Understanding what these different colours are will help you to stay on top of any robe changes and celebrate each festival and event of the liturgical season in the proper way, highlighting your dedication and faith.
- Advent – the colour Rose is used only on the third Sunday of Advent.
- Lent – rose may also be used on Laetare Sunday (the 4th Sunday). Red is worn on Palm Sunday and Good Friday. White/violet are worn on Holy Thursday and Holy Saturday.
- Ordinary Time – other colours may be worn on feast days. For example, white can be worn on Marian feast days, and white is also the colour for the Nativity of St John the Baptist.
Understanding the liturgical colours and when to wear them is one of the most important first steps you can take when beginning your new career as a member of the clergy.
You can head to the Church section of our Choralia collection to browse the clergy robes and vestments we have on offer so you can begin your journey of building your collection of liturgical clergy attire and celebrate each season with the passion it deserves.
