Liturgical colours have been part of church tradition since as far back as the 4th century. At the time, the tradition was to wear your best dress for church. The clergy naturally took this up a notch to ensure they stood out from their congregation.
At first, the colours worn were simply a reflection of how the wearer saw the season. It wasn’t until the papacy of Pope Innocent III that a pattern for liturgical colours started to emerge.
These patterns are still observed today. The colours used by the church are a reflection of the liturgical year. In many ways they are designed to help you set the right mood, the colour encourages you to reflect on the meaning of each event.
This is of particular importance in specific years, such as the 2025 Jubilee year. For the coming year, the special jubilee stoles of all liturgical colours have been created.
Why liturgy is important
Liturgy is simply the word used to describe the ritual of worship. It follows the same pattern each year, going through several events such as the birth and death of Jesus. The liturgical calendar sets the schedule and the stage for public worship and helps everyone to feel involved.
The liturgical colours simply help participants visualise the lessons they should be focused on.
Liturgical colours
The most popular liturgical colours are white, green, red, and purple:
· White
White is probably the most commonly worn colour. The church wears white to celebrate joyful occasions. It is a symbol of purity and joy. That’s why most liturgical garments have white in them. White liturgical garments generally symbolize holiness, the purity offered by the church as you start a new life.
After all, it says in the book of Revelation that “They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:14)
· Green
Green is defined as an ordinary colour. The clergy put this on after special events. It shows that the special event, such as Easter, has finished and it’s time to return to everyday worship.
It should be noted that green isn’t seen as mundane. The colour encourages followers to reflect on their faith, allowing them to grow and mature.
In many ways, green should be seen as the colour of hope, allowing you to reflect on how far you’ve come and where you’re going.
· Red
Red is generally associated with martyrdom and the Holy Spirit. Red garments are commonly worn at Pentecost, celebrating the Holy Spirit descending on the apostles. It’s also the colour of choice for the feasts of martyrs, reminding everyone of those that have shed blood for their faith.
It’s perhaps the most sombre liturgical colour.
· Purple
Purple signifies repentance and preparation. That’s the periods before great events in the liturgical calendar. For example, purple is generally worn at lent, before Easter. It’s also worn during advent in the build up to Christmas.
Purple tells everyone that you’re preparing for something special and to use the time to repent and prepare yourself for what is to come.
Colours for the 2025 Jubilee
As mentioned, 2025 will see special garments issued in all the liturgical colours. Alongside the above four, gold, black, and rose are often used.
The traditional liturgical colours will still be used throughout the year. However, there will also be an emphasise on red, orange, green, and blue. These are the four colours which make up the Jubilee 2025 logo, you’ll find the logo on all official garments. Each colour has it’s own significance:
- Red for love and sharing
- Orange for warmth toward other humans
- Green for balance in life and peace across the globe
- Blue for protection against evil
Summing up
The liturgical colours have developed as a tradition over hundreds of years. It’s fair to say that they are not essential for worship. After all, you can worship God in any clothing.
However, they have become a cherished part of church life and, as such, its important to consider which liturgical colours you’ll be wearing for the 2025 Jubilee.