Colors Used in Liturgical Worship

In
Christianity, color symbolism
is primarily used in liturgical decorations (banners, vestments, etc.)
and to a lesser degree in Christian art. Symbolic colors are rarely used
in the Bible.
Black
is symbolic of death, and is therefore the liturgical color for Good
Friday. Black can also represent sin, which results in death.
Blue,
the color of the sky, is symbolic of heaven. It may also be used to
symbolize truth. Blue is gaining acceptance as a liturgical color for
Advent.
Brown
is the color of spiritual death and degradation.
Gray
is the color of ash, so is sometimes used to represent repentance and
may be used during Lent.
Green
is the color of plant life, abundant in spring. It is used to represent
the triumph of life over death. Green is the liturgical color for the
Trinity season in some traditions, and may be used during Epiphany in
others.
Purple
is the color for penitence and mourning. It is also the color of
royalty. Purple is the liturgical color for the seasons of Advent and
Lent.
Red
is the color of blood and therefore is the liturgical color for the
commemoration of martyred saints. Red is used as the liturgical color
for Pentecost, since it is the color of fire.
White
is a symbol of purity, innocence and holiness. It is the liturgical
color for the Christmas and Easter seasons. White is sometimes
represented by silver.
As
the color of light, yellow
may be used to represent divinity. However, because yellow light is not
pure white, it may also be used to symbolize corruption and degradation.
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