Colors in the church – what do they mean?

liturgical colorsWhy are there different colors used in the church?

  • Purple, representing both royalty and penitence, is traditionally used during Advent and Lent. Blue symbolizes hope and may also be used during Advent.
  • White and gold are used at Christmas and Easter to symbolize joy and festivities.
  • Red symbolizes the color of fire to represent the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost and times when the work of the Holy Spirit is emphasized. During Holy Week it represents the blood of Christ. Red is also used for ordinations, church anniversaries and civil observances such as Memorial Day and Thanksgiving.
  • Green represents growth and is used during Ordinary Time (the season after Epiphany and after Pentecost.)

(The United Methodist Book of Worship, Copyright © 1992 The United Methodist Publishing House)

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