Seasons & Colors

Parament for Ordinary Time

Whenever I enter a Church, I am always looking at the way in which she is "dressed". Banners, wall paintings, hanging art, the use of a cross, and many other things can catch my eye. Within the more historic churches (Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran) there is more often than not an abundance of color from linens on the Altar, paraments on the Lectern and Pulpit, and with the vestments that are worn by the priest or pastor. These colors mark the days and seasons within the liturgical Church year, and I have seen some growth in their use in non-liturgical contexts too.

During my time studying for my first degree I spent a lot of time looking at learning styles, and how we all learn in different ways. Whether we are writing, reading, listening, watching, or engaging in an activity, we learn through that experience. Coming to worship, learning from Scripture, partaking in the Sacraments, listening to the preacher, looking at the layout of the church, and the furniture and colors used, are all ways in which a person can engage with God.

Although the colors of the Church calendar are a human initiative, they have, for many, become institutional. There is nothing which is specifically Scriptural, or even theological, about their use, however, I am of the mindset that they are a beautiful adage to the pattern of Church year, and to worship.

The colors used have not always been as 'uniform' as they are today, however, from the later Middle-Ages we see somewhat of a common distinction of liturgical colors within the Western Church. Although we do still find some variations on this.

Within the Lutheran tradition here in the United States, the colors used and their significance are highlighted below:

Blue

Although now used by many Lutheran Churches in America, the color blue is a relatively "new" introduction having originated from Scandinavia. It is used throughout the season of Advent, partly to distinguish between that and the season of Lent, (with the exception of the 3rd Sunday for those who use the color of rose) and symbolizes hope and anticipation.

White

Used at seasons and occasions of high celebration, such as the seasons of Christmas and Easter, and the days where we remember and celebrate The Epiphany of our Lord and The Ascension of our Lord, and symbolizes innocence and purity.

Green

The color green is used in what is often referred to within the church calendar as "Ordinary Time" which includes the Sundays after The Epiphany of our Lord, leading up to Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent, and the Sundays after Pentecost (with the exception of the 1st Sunday which is Trinity Sunday), through to the Sunday before Advent.

Purple

Symbolizing royalty, penitence, and self-discipline, purple is the color of Lent which are the days between Ash Wednesday leading up to Easter Day, and in some churches is the alternative color for the season of Advent.

Rose

The color of rose, if used at all, is used only a few times a year (3rd Sunday of Advent, and 4th Sunday of Lent). Symbolizing joy, and anticipation, as the Church journey through the penitential seasons of Advent and Lent, toward Christmas and Easter respectively.

Red

Possibly because of its connection to the color of blood and fire, red is used throughout the Church year on days of commemorating martyrs (both biblical and non-biblical), and for celebrating festivals connected with the Holy Spirit, such as Pentecost and Reformation.

Black

The color of ash is dark grey or black, and as such this is the color which is used on Ash Wednesday, and may be used during funerals. There was a time when black would also be used on Good Friday, however, since the reintroduction of the tradition of stripping the altar on Maundy Thursday, no color is used on Good Friday.