Christian Colors
Several people have asked about the meaning of the different colors of the pulpit cloths used during the year. The use of these colors dates back through centuries of Christian tradition.
First, we should remember that early churches, and later cathedrals, were not the drab stone structures that they appear to be today. The interiors of stone churches were originally painted in vivid colors, and worship would begin with a brightly colored procession of priests and acolytes who would bring the Bible (the word), the flame (the light), the Cross, and brightly colored banners into the sanctuary. One acolyte would swing a lighted censer, which would bring the smell of burning incense into the room. Catholic congregants would touch the beads of the rosary during prayer. In these ways all of the senses would be engaged during worship: Sight, sound, smell, and touch.
With the Protestant Reformation, beginning in the 16th century, there was a reaction against many of the images and practices used in Roman Catholic worship. This caused Protestant houses of worship to become much more plain and austere. Along with this austerity, however, came a loss of the engagement of the senses that had prevailed in Christian worship for many centuries.
Beginning in the late 1800’s Protestant churches started to reintroduce some of the color and visual elements that had been present in centuries past. Most Methodist churches, however, still did not use a brass Cross or candlesticks on the altar as late as the 1930’s. Most British Methodists today still do not use choir robes.
As color and visual elements were reintroduced to worship, there was a return to the tradition of the colors of the Christian year.
Purple is a color which has long been associated with royalty, and it is used in the seasons (Advent and Lent) when the Kingdom of God is especially close at hand, with the birth and resurrection of Jesus. The seasons of Advent and Lent are also seasons of preparation for Christians, so it helps me to remember that “P” is for “Purple”, which is for “Preparation”.
Green is a color of growth, and it is used for what is called “ordinary time”, or all of the year that is not part of Advent or Lent. White is a color of purity, and it recalls the close presence of Christ, as during the sacraments of baptism and communion, and during funerals, weddings, and at Easter.
Black or grey are somber colors which are used for the particularly solemn occasions of Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
Red is the color of the Holy Spirit, recalling the tongues of flame at Pentecost. It is used on occasions when the presence of the Holy Spirit is especially emphasized, such as Pentecost, revivals, and the ordination of ministers.
None of the colors is associated with any hard and fast rule. They may be used and alternated as appropriate. But they serve as a reminder of the different seasons in the life of Jesus (birth, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection) and thus the different seasons of our lives as Christians. They are a visual reminder that we are called to commit all of our senses, our sight, smell, hearing, and touch to the service of God and neighbor.
Blessings,
Mike