The Colours in Church

This time of year in the Church Calendar reminds me of Kermit the Frog: It’s not easy being green!
If you've ever stepped into a church and wondered about the array of colours on display, you're not alone. The changing colours of hangings and vestments are not just for aesthetic appeal; they carry deep symbolic meanings and mark different seasons and celebrations in the Church calendar. This article aims to shed light on these colours and the vestments you might see, making the beautiful traditions of the Church more accessible to everyone in the community.
 
The Liturgical Colours
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The Church uses a range of colours throughout the year, each with its own significance. Here’s a quick guide:
 
Green: This is the colour of Ordinary Time, the periods between the major liturgical seasons. Green symbolises growth and life, reflecting the ongoing work of the Church in the world.
 
Violet or Lent Array (unbleached Linen): Used during Advent and Lent, purple represents penance, preparation, and sacrifice. It’s a time of reflection and spiritual growth, as the Church prepares for the great celebrations of Christmas and Easter. In many Churches the unbleached linen represents abstinence from excess and fasting.
 
White (or Gold): These colours are used for the great feasts of the Church, such as Christmas, Easter, and other significant holy days. White symbolises purity, joy, and the light of Christ.
 
Red: Seen on Pentecost, and the feasts of martyrs, red symbolises the Holy Spirit and the blood of martyrs. It’s a colour of fire and zeal.
 
The Vestments Explained
 
Vestments are the distinctive garments worn by clergy during services. Each piece has its own history and purpose:
 
Alb: This long, white linen garment is worn by clergy of all ranks. It symbolises purity and is often tied at the waist with a cincture. The Alb is essentially an adult version christening gown and the purity it signifies.
 
Stole: A long, narrow strip of cloth worn around the neck, the stole is a mark of ordained ministry. It signifies the yoke of Christ and varies in colour according to the liturgical season. Deacons wear the stole over the left shoulder, while priests and bishops wear it around the neck, hanging down in front.
 
Chasuble: Worn by priests and bishops during the Eucharist, the chasuble is the outermost vestment. It’s typically decorated and varies in colour according to the liturgical season. The chasuble symbolises the yoke of Christ and the charity that should characterise a priest's life.
 
Interestingly, these vestments have their origins in the everyday clothing of ancient times. In the early Church, clergy and laity alike wore similar garments, which were reflective of the fashions of the Roman Empire. Over time, as styles evolved and ordinary clothes changed, the Church retained these traditional forms of dress for liturgical use, which gradually became more elaborate and symbolic.
 
Because of their historical roots, these vestments remind us that the sacred and the ordinary are deeply intertwined. They evolved from the practical attire of the past, demonstrating that holiness can be found in everyday life. For this reason, many clergy, including myself, are comfortable officiating services in ordinary clothes. This practice emphasises that worship and ministry are not confined to specific garments but are a living part of our daily lives.

Why These Colours and Vestments Matter 

For those who regularly attend church, the changing colours and different vestments are visual cues that mark the progression of the Church year. They help the congregation enter more deeply into the rhythm of the liturgical seasons. For those less familiar, these traditions might seem mysterious or merely decorative. However, understanding the meaning behind these elements can enrich one's experience of church, making each visit a more meaningful encounter with the traditions that have shaped Christian worship for centuries.
 
By sharing the significance of these colours and vestments, we open a window into the rich tapestry of church life. Whether you’re a regular churchgoer or someone who steps into a church only occasionally, knowing the meanings behind these traditions can deepen your appreciation of the beauty and symbolism present in every service.
 
Next time you enter a church, take a moment to observe the colours around you. Each one tells a story and invites you to become part of the ongoing narrative of faith and worship.