The Liturgical Year

Liturgical Colors

Liturgies during the different seasons of the liturgical year have different music and different prayers. The colors used for the vestments worn by the priest during the liturgy also help express the character of the mysteries being celebrated.

	White, the color of joy and victory, is used for the seasons of Easter and Christmas. It is also used for the feasts of Our Lord, for feasts of Mary, the angels, and for saints who are not martyrs. Gold may also be used on solemn occasions.
	Red (the color of blood) is used on days when we celebrate the passion of Jesus on Passion Sunday and Good Friday. It is also used for the birthday feasts of the apostles and evangelists and for the celebrations of martyrs. Red (the color of fire) recalls the Holy Spirit and is used on Pentecost and for the sacrament of Confirmation.
	Green, seen everywhere in plants and trees, symbolizes life and hope and is used during Ordinary Time.
	The colors violet or purple in Advent help us to remember that we are preparing for the coming of Christ. In Lent:, the season of penance and renewal, also uses the colors violet or purple.
	Rose may be used on the Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday, and on the Fourth Sunday of Lent, Laetare Sunday. It expresses the joy of anticipation for Christmas and Easter.