Throughout the liturgical year, colours significantly communicate the mood and themes associated with various seasons and celebrations within the Christian tradition. One prominently used colour is purple, often worn by priests during specific times. However, there's a common misconception regarding its association with Easter. While purple is significant, it's more accurately linked with the seasons leading up to it, namely Lent, rather than Easter itself. So, the simple answer is “NO". Priests don't wear purple during Easter.
Let's take a fun and easy journey to learn why purple is essential during Easter!
What is Easter?
Easter is a very special day for Christians all around the world. It celebrates something amazing—Jesus coming back to life after He died. This day is full of happiness and hope.
But before Easter, there is a time to get ready called Lent. During Lent, people go to church, pray, and think about how much Jesus loves us. That’s where the colour purple comes in.
The Story Behind Purple in Liturgical Vestments
Historically, purple was the colour of royalty, signifying power and authority. This association stems from its rarity and the costly process of creating dye in ancient times, requiring thousands of shellfish to produce a small quantity. Roman emperors and royalty often adorned themselves in purple, setting a precedent for its symbolic value.
The Church adopted purple into its liturgical palette to reflect both Christ’s kingship and His Passion.
Mark 15:17 vividly describes the Roman soldiers mocking Christ, adorning Him in a purple robe as the “King of the Jews.” This dual meaning has made purple the liturgical colour for Lent and Easter.
2. What Does Purple Symbolise During Lent and Easter?
During Lent, purple signifies penitence and preparation. It’s a sombre reminder of the need for introspection, repentance, and preparation for the joyful celebration of Easter.
For Easter, purple transforms its meaning. It celebrates Christ’s victory as the King of Kings, triumphing over sin and death. This dual representation of humility (penance) and royalty (triumph) reflects the very essence of Lent’s transition into Easter.
Why Do We Use Purple Before Easter?
Before Easter comes, we go through a time called Lent. Lent lasts for 40 days (not counting Sundays). This is when we pray, think about Jesus’ love, and sometimes give up things we enjoy to help us focus on Him.
Purple is the color used during this time. It helps remind us to:
- Be kink
- Say sorry when we do wrong
-
Think about the good things Jesus did for us
So, purple means getting our hearts ready for the happy Easter celebration!
When Do Priests Wear Purple?
If you go to church during Lent, you may see the priest wearing purple robes. These are called vestments.
Here are some times you might see purple in church:
- Ash Wednesday – the first day of Lent
- Sundays during Lent – every Sunday leading up to Easter
-
Good Friday (sometimes) – the day Jesus died
Purple helps the whole church family remember what this time is about.
Changing From Purple to White
When Easter Sunday finally comes, something changes! The purple goes away, and the colour becomes white.
Why? Because Jesus is alive again! White shows joy, new life, and celebration. After all the quiet thinking during Lent, now we can be happy and rejoice!
This change from purple to white is a beautiful way to show the journey from sadness to joy.
4. Practical Tips for Dressing for Easter Mass
Want to align yourself with this beautiful tradition? Aim for colours and styles that reflect the liturgical season:
- Shades of purple or soft pastels are perfect for Lent and Easter.
- Add joyful accents like white or gold for Easter Sunday to represent the resurrection.
For families, incorporating these colours can be fun and engaging to deepen children’s understanding of the season’s themes.
6. Bringing Purple Into Your Practices
Purple doesn’t have to remain confined to the church’s walls. Lay Catholics can engage with its symbolism in their homes and daily lives by:
- Purple accents, like décor or candles, are used during Lent.
- Wearing purple accessories is a subtle reminder of penance and spiritual solidarity during the season.
Long Story Short!
Purple speaks eloquently, guiding Catholics from Lent’s season of penance to Easter’s joy. This symbolic colour deepens our connection to Christ, reminding us of His sacrificial love and His triumph as King of Kings.
This Easter, take a moment to reflect on the colours around you. Consider how they invite you deeper into acts of gratitude, hope, and celebration. Whether by dressing thoughtfully for Mass, giving a meaningful gift, or attending to the liturgical rhythms of the Church, there’s always an opportunity to engage more fully in this divine story.
