Purple?

The Christian calendar is divided into seasons with accompanying feasts, observances, and colors. This is usually referred to as a liturgical year. Many churches follow the Revised Common Lectionary as well, which runs in 3 year cycles (years A, B, and C) and provides a systematic way of approaching scripture for use in teachings, devotionals, and other applications. (More on this when I do my blog on the lectionary!) You may notice when passing some churches this time of year that there is a cross outside draped in purple fabric. Purple is the traditional color for Lent. Purple symbolizes royalty and is a recognition of the unique person of Jesus as God incarnate, "king" and long-awaited Messiah-the Christ. Purple is also a symbol for the pain and suffering of Jesus in the time leading up to his crucifixion and also calls us to recognize the suffering of humanity.

Many churches also use purple vestments (garments worn by clergy) and paraments (fabric used in altar arrangements on lecturns, pulpits, and the altar table) during Lent.

Later in the season, just before Easter, the purple is replaced with either black or gray. I will explain more about this later, but if you are able, please plan to attend a Maundy Thursday (also known as Holy Thursday) or Tenebrae service and witness this dramatic and very moving service. More on this later.