Why Is Purple The Color Of Lent Meaning Symbolism Explained 2

In churches across the world each spring, a subtle but powerful transformation takes place. White altar cloths are replaced, gold vestments put aside, and in their place appears a solemn shade of purple. This shift marks the beginning of Lent—a 40-day period of penance, fasting, and preparation leading up to Easter. The color purple, deeply embedded in Christian liturgy, carries centuries of theological and emotional weight. Far more than a decorative choice, it serves as a visual language for repentance, royalty, and anticipation.

This article explores the historical roots, biblical connections, and symbolic layers behind the use of purple during Lent. It also examines how modern congregations continue to honor this tradition and what it means for personal spiritual practice today.

The Historical Roots of Purple in Christian Worship

Purple has long been associated with power, wealth, and nobility. In antiquity, true purple dye—known as Tyrian purple—was extracted from rare sea snails found off the coast of Phoenicia. The labor-intensive process required thousands of mollusks to produce just a small amount of dye, making it so expensive that only emperors, kings, and high-ranking officials could afford it. Roman emperors wore purple togas; Byzantine rulers were literally \"born in the purple.\"

Early Christians adopted this imperial symbolism but reinterpreted it through the lens of Christ’s dual nature: both suffering servant and divine king. During Lent, purple reflects this paradox. It signifies Christ’s kingship while simultaneously acknowledging the sorrow of his Passion. The color thus bridges majesty and mourning, reminding believers that the path to resurrection runs through sacrifice.

Tip: Observe the changing church colors during Lent—many parishes switch to purple on Ash Wednesday, reinforcing the season’s tone before a single word is preached.

Biblical Foundations of Purple in Lent

The Bible contains several pivotal references to purple that inform its liturgical use. One of the most poignant occurs during the crucifixion narrative. According to the Gospel of Matthew (27:28), Roman soldiers mocked Jesus by dressing him in a scarlet robe—though other accounts, like John 19:2, specify a purple one.

“They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him.” — John 19:2 (NIV)

This act was both cruel and ironically truthful. The soldiers intended ridicule, dressing a condemned man as a false king. Yet, in Christian theology, they unknowingly proclaimed a deeper reality: Jesus is the King of Kings, even in humiliation. The purple robe becomes a symbol of divine irony—mockery transformed into affirmation.

Additionally, in the Old Testament, purple threads were used in the construction of the Tabernacle (Exodus 25:4) and later in the Temple garments of the high priest (Exodus 28:5–8). These uses tied purple to holiness, consecration, and divine presence—themes central to Lenten reflection.

Spiritual Symbolism of Purple in the Lenten Season

The choice of purple for Lent is not arbitrary—it aligns with the season’s core themes: repentance, introspection, and preparation. Each hue in the liturgical calendar communicates a specific spiritual disposition:

• Purple: Penance, preparation, and prayer
• White: Purity, joy, and celebration (used at Christmas and Easter)
• Red: Martyrdom and the Holy Spirit (Pentecost, feast days of apostles)
• Green: Growth and ordinary time
• Black: Mourning (rarely used, mostly in funerals)

During Lent, purple acts as a visual cue for self-examination. It calls worshippers to slow down, confess sins, and realign their lives with God’s will. Unlike the bright hope of Easter white, purple is subdued, reflective, even somber. It mirrors the wilderness experience of Jesus’ 40 days in the desert—a time of testing, temptation, and spiritual clarity.

Do’s and Don’ts of Liturgical Color Use

Do	Don't
Use purple vestments and paraments from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday	Introduce white or gold too early—save them for Easter Vigil
Switch to red on Palm Sunday to commemorate Christ’s passion	Use festive colors during Holy Week unless specified
Explain the meaning of colors to congregants, especially children	Ignore seasonal color changes altogether

Modern Interpretations and Practices

In contemporary worship, the use of purple varies by denomination. Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and many Methodist churches maintain strict adherence to liturgical colors. Others, particularly non-liturgical Protestant traditions, may not emphasize color at all. However, there's a growing revival of interest in liturgical practices—even among younger congregations seeking deeper spiritual rhythms.

Some churches now incorporate creative expressions of purple: stained glass filters, purple ribbons on pews, or digital backdrops in online services. These adaptations keep the symbolism alive without requiring full vestment changes.

“The color purple doesn’t just decorate the sanctuary—it disciplines the soul. It tells us, quietly but clearly, that this is not ordinary time.” — Dr. Rebecca Thompson, Liturgical Theologian, Fuller Seminary

Mini Case Study: A Congregation Reclaims Liturgical Colors

Grace Fellowship Church, a nondenominational community in Asheville, North Carolina, had never observed liturgical seasons. But after a series of sermons on spiritual formation, the leadership team decided to introduce Lent with intentional symbolism. They purchased purple altar cloths, encouraged members to fast, and projected a soft purple gradient during worship.

The response was unexpected. Attendance during Lent increased by 30%, and many newcomers expressed appreciation for the “sense of sacredness” the visuals created. One member shared, “I didn’t grow up with Lent, but seeing the purple every week made me feel like I was part of something ancient and meaningful.”

This example illustrates how even small visual cues can deepen engagement and foster spiritual awareness.

Step-by-Step Guide: Incorporating Purple Symbolism at Home

You don’t need to be part of a formal church to engage with the symbolism of Lenten purple. Here’s how to bring this tradition into your personal or family devotions:

1. Set a Lenten space: Designate a corner of your home with a purple cloth, candle, and Bible.
2. Use purple items daily: Wear a purple ribbon, use a purple mug, or place a purple stone on your desk as a mindfulness prompt.
3. Reflect weekly: On Sundays, read a Scripture passage related to repentance or kingship (e.g., Isaiah 53, Philippians 2:5–11).
4. Practice silence: Spend 10 minutes in stillness before starting your day, focusing on the meaning of sacrifice and renewal.
5. Transition to white on Easter: Replace the purple cloth with white on Resurrection Sunday to celebrate the victory of Christ.

Tip: Involve children by letting them color purple Lenten calendars or create paper crowns of thorns alongside royal crowns—teaching both suffering and sovereignty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn’t purple used during Advent if it’s also a penitential season?

Actually, purple *is* traditionally used during Advent in many denominations. However, some churches opt for blue to distinguish Advent as a season of hopeful anticipation rather than penance. Blue symbolizes expectation and the coming dawn, while purple emphasizes preparation and repentance. Both colors can be appropriate depending on theological emphasis.

Is there a difference between Lenten purple and royal purple?

Liturgical purple tends to be deeper, more muted—almost violet or plum—whereas royal purple may lean toward a brighter, redder tone. The subdued shade used in churches reflects humility and solemnity, avoiding the opulence associated with imperial purple.

Can individuals observe the color purple outside of church?

Absolutely. Personal devotion benefits from sensory cues. Using purple in journals, prayer beads, or clothing helps internalize the season’s themes. It turns abstract concepts like repentance into tangible, daily reminders.

Conclusion: Embrace the Sacred Hue

The color purple in Lent is far more than tradition—it is theology in fabric form. It speaks of a king who suffered, of sin that must be confessed, and of grace that triumphs over death. In a world of constant noise and distraction, the quiet presence of purple invites stillness, honesty, and hope.

Whether you're lighting a purple candle each evening, noticing the change in your church’s decor, or simply reflecting on the story behind the shade, let this color draw you deeper into the heart of Lent. As you do, remember: the path of repentance leads not to shame, but to resurrection.

💬 How do you experience the meaning of Lent through color or ritual? Share your thoughts or traditions in the comments—your insight might inspire someone else on their journey.