An Explanation of Liturgical Colours

The church uses liturgical colours as a teaching device and as a way of mark­ing days and seasons. They evolved among Christians without con­scious planning and have existed since the Middle Ages. They are not officially regulated in the Church of England and divergences in local usage can occur. Their use can be seen most clearly in the frontal that covers the altar, in the 'antependium' that hangs from the pulpit desk, and in the vestments worn by the priest.

Gold

Associated with riches and kingly attire. Usually reserved for Christmas Day, Easter Day, and other occasions of great rejoicing and celebration.

White

Symbolizes joy, celebration, gladness, light, purity and innocence and triumph. Used for the Sundays after Christmas, after the Epiphany, and after Easter and their seasons. Also used for the feasts of saints who died a natural death and All Saints Day. Can also be used at funerals, especially those of children, expressing the hope of the resurrection.

Green

The colour of grass, leaves, foliage, fruit and life, suggesting a time of growth. It is used for the long season of Sundays after Trinity (coinciding with the summer), and for the Sundays between the Epiphany season and Lent.

Red

Symbolizes fire and blood. Used on Pentecost (to recall the tongues of fire that descended on the apostles), Palm Sunday (to commemorate Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem) and the first three days of Holy Week. Also on days commemorating martyrs, and for the 'Kingdom' Sundays between All Saints Sunday and the feast of Christ the King.   May also be used on Good Friday as an alternative to black.

Purple or Violet

Used in the seasons of Lent and Advent and at funerals, it symbolizes penitence and self-discipline

Black

Colour of mourning and death. Used on Good Friday, on All Souls Day and at solemn requiems for the departed, although its use has declined in recent years.

Rose or Pink

A rarely used colour, expressive of joy that half a penitential season is over, it is used only on the Third Sunday of Advent and on the Fourth Sunday of Lent) as an alternative to purple.