Many churches use different colours within the sanctuary and for vestments during Lent and each colour has a symbolic meaning.
Purple to symbolise
• the pain and suffering of Jesus as well as the suffering of the world and humanity under sin
• the royal heritage and genealogy of Jesus
Grey to symbolise
• mourning and repentance
• penitence and reflection
Red (Maundy Thursday) to symbolise
• the gathered community of believers in the presence of Jesus, the Christ
Black (Good Friday) to symbolise
• the darkness brought into the world by sin
• the death of Jesus
• hopelessness if human beings try to make their own way in the world without God
White (Easter Day) to symbolise
• the Risen Lord
• the purity and holiness of God