Liturgical Colors and Symbols

Liturgical colors are used throughout the year to orient the season of the church year. The explanation that follows is a general definition used in many reformed congregations. There are some denominations who may celebrate certain Christian feasts or festivals with a change in the liturgical color

The church year begins with Advent, the first four Sundays before Christmas. The liturgical color of Advent is either purple or dark blue. At Central Presbyterian we use purple.

The Christmas season begins Christmas Eve and lasts through January 6, Epiphany, the day we celebrate Christ coming to the Gentiles as represented by the visit of the Magi or wise men from the East. The liturgical color for the Christmas season is white.

Ordinary Time begins the Sunday after Epiphany and lasts until Ash Wednesday. The liturgical color for Ordinary Time is green.

There are six weeks of Lent beginning with Ash Wednesday.  The season of Lent ends on Good Friday. The color of Lent is purple.

On Good Friday, all color is removed. Some churches may use black to mark the death of Christ.

Easter’s color is white, which is used to celebrate the resurrection. The season of Easter remains until Pentecost.

Pentecost, the celebration of the coming of the Holy Spirit and some say the birthday of the church begins the seventh Sunday after Easter and red is the color of Pentecost.

We return to Ordinary Time the Sunday after Pentecost, and green is the liturgical color.

Ordinary time continues until Christ the King Sunday, the last Sunday before Advent. The liturgical color of Christ the King Sunday is white.