The liturgical colors are those that are specifically used by the priests, in their vestments during the Eucharistic ceremonies officiated throughout the liturgical year. Each color serves to highlight the characteristics of a specific time of the Christian year, to mark a given calendar holiday, or a special event. For example: Lent, Easter, Advent, Christmas, every Sunday of the year, and ordinary time.
According to records, it was Pope Innocent III who proposed the use of liturgical colors that priests currently use in church celebrations. This Pope based his symbolism on the metaphorical readings of the colors and flowers cited in the Holy Scriptures, specifically in the book of the Song of Songs, where colors represent an important element within the narrative.
During the first centuries, during Christian ceremonies there was no general rule regarding colors at that time, since the only thing that was taken into account was that for holidays, more vivid colors should be chosen and for times of penance, darker and more sober colors.
But what is the meaning of each color?
- White: it is the color that symbolizes God. It means purity and joy; a time of joy and peace. White is used during the times of Easter, Christmas, Epiphany and the festivities of the Ascension of Jesus into heaven. It is also used during the festivities of the Virgin Mary, of the saints and angels who did not suffer martyrdom.
White is therefore the most outstanding color of Christian celebrations, as a manifestation of light, joy and life that God gives to men.
- Green - Green represents hope. In ancient peoples this color was associated with spring, vegetation and the promise of an abundant harvest. This color is used in the liturgy during ordinary time, in which no special festivity is celebrated. That is, after Christmas until Lent and after Easter until Advent and in the same way during all Sundays or other days where no other color is required.
- Purple: represents penance and mourning. It is used during Holy Week, in the season of Advent and Lent. Purple is also used to officiate funerals.
- Red: represents the fire, the blood and the force of the holy spirit. This color is used during the Feasts of the Passion, including Good Friday, the Feasts of Pentecost and on the days of commemoration of the death of the apostles and martyrs.
