Colours of Lent – 10th March

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