Liturgical Colors
The color of the priest's vestments changes with the liturgical season. Here's what each color means.
Easter, Christmas, feasts of the Lord, feasts of Mary, feasts of saints who are not martyrs
Symbolizes purity, joy, and the glory of the Resurrection. This is the color you'll see most during the great celebrations of the Church.
Advent, Lent
Represents penance, preparation, and sacrifice. These are seasons when the Church prepares for great feasts.
Ordinary Time
Symbolizes hope and growth in faith. Ordinary Time is the longest season, stretching across much of the year.
Pentecost, Palm Sunday, Good Friday, feasts of martyrs
Represents the Holy Spirit and the blood of martyrs who gave their lives for the faith.
Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete) and Fourth Sunday of Lent (Laetare)
A lighter shade of violet, representing a brief moment of joy in the midst of a penitential season.
All Souls' Day, funeral Masses (optional)
Symbolizes mourning and prayer for the dead. White may also be used at funerals to signify hope in the Resurrection.
May substitute for white, red, or green on solemn occasions
Used for especially solemn and festive celebrations. Gold vestments are often the most ornate.