Conference lgp30::christian-perspective

From "Crossroads," the newsletter of my local church:

	The liturgical color for Lent is purple.  In ancient times purple was
reserved for royalty.  Not only was it too expensive a dye for the common
people, it was actually forbidden by law in Rome to any but those who were
in the aristocrisy.  The color purple for the church has come to express
penitence as a sign of preparation.  It's as though in preparation to meet
our Sovereign, we realize how unworthy we are.

Richard

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Note 265.28                   General Question note                     28 of 47
TFH::KIRK "a simple song"                            35 lines  31-JAN-1992 09:34
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White:	symbol of purity, joy,and the bright light of truth.
	used for seasons and days of the Church Year relating to our Lord:
	    Christmas, Easter, the Epiphany, Ascension, Trinity Sunday,
	    the Transfiguration
	  for a saint, if not a martyr
	  used at Baptism, Confirmation, Ordination
	  the celebration of a Marriage and the Burial of the Dead
	  services of Thanksgiving:
	    Thanksgiving Day, Independence Day, Anniversary and Dedication 
	    Festivals
	  services celebrating the Blessed Sacrament

Violet:	color of penitence and expectation, traditionally for Lent & Advent
	may also be used at the Burial of the Dead, Ember and Rogation Days
	use of unbleached linen or similar material may also be used for Lent

Red:	symbol of blood
	used for Martyr's days
	symbol of the Holy Spirit, so used on Pentecost
	also becoming popular for Holy Week and Ordinations

Green:	the common color of the Church; symbol of hope, life, & nature
	used for common seasons after Epiphany & Pentecost

Black:	symbol of mourning
	may be used on Good Friday and for Burials

Blue is popularly being used on joyful days of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Dark Blue is an ancient alternative color for Advent

Peace,

Jim  (just call 1-800-LITURGY  (no not really...))

    The color purple refers to the color of the cloak worn by Jesus when he
    presented to Pilate as "King of the Jews".

    The focus here is on repentance, suffering, and the violent death of
    Our Lord.

This is something of a confession.  When the pastor left me in charge of
worship on Valentine's Day, I okayed the use of our red accouterments at
the altar.  I hope violating the liturgical calendar is not a major sin.

Richard