What are the Advent colors?

The Advent colors are purple, pink (rose), and occasionally white. 

What does purple symbolize in Advent? 

Purple symbolizes penance, preparation, and the royalty of Christ. Purple is the main Advent color. This color represents a time of introspection, prayer, and reflection, encouraging believers to prepare their hearts for the coming of Jesus.

Purple is often associated with both royalty and repentance, signifying that Advent is not only a season of anticipation but also a period to recognize the need for inner renewal as we await the arrival of our King.

Where will we see purple in Advent?

During Advent, you’ll typically see purple in church decorations, clergy vestments, and Advent wreath candles:

1. Church decorations and altar cloths – Many churches use purple altar cloths and banners to reflect the season's tone of anticipation and preparation.
2. Clergy vestments – Priests often wear purple robes during Advent Masses to represent penance and the royal coming of Christ.
3. Advent wreath – Three of the four candles on the Advent wreath are purple. They symbolize hope, peace, and love in the lead-up to Christmas. The fourth candle, which is pink, symbolizes joy and is lit on the third Sunday, known as Gaudete Sunday.

What does pink (rose) symbolize in Advent?

In Advent, the pink (or rose) color symbolizes joy and rejoicing. Pink (or rose) is the second most common Advent color. It is used specifically on the third Sunday of Advent, known as "Gaudete Sunday." The word Gaudete means “rejoice” in Latin, marking a joyful pause halfway through Advent’s more penitential season as Christmas draws nearer.

This Sunday’s pink candle on the Advent wreath, often called the "Joy Candle," reminds the faithful to rejoice in the promise of Christ’s coming. It’s a day of hope, gratitude, and a renewed focus on the joy of the approaching Christmas celebration.

Where will we see pink in Advent?

We see pink primarily on Gaudete Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent. This color may appear in:

1. The Advent wreath: The third candle on the Advent wreath is pink, symbolizing joy as Christmas nears.
2. Priests' vestments: On Gaudete Sunday, priests wear rose vestments to mark this joyful pause in the Advent season.
3. Church decorations: Some churches may add pink accents to altar decorations or other areas to reflect the joyful theme of the day.

These elements of pink signify a lightening of the penitential purple as Advent reaches its midpoint and Christmas draws closer. It's meant to be a joyful Advent color. 

What does white symbolize in Advent?

White symbolizes purity, light, and celebration, primarily associated with the Christmas season itself rather than the four weeks of Advent. White is traditionally used to represent the joy, peace, and glory of Christ's birth. We won't see much white during Advent, but some Advent decorations or traditions include the color as a reminder of the coming of Christ. 

Where will we see white in Advent?

While it is certainly more a Christmas color than Advent color, you’ll typically see white used:

1. On the Christ candle: If an Advent wreath has a fifth candle, it’s usually white and lit on Christmas Day to honor the arrival of Jesus, "the Light of the World." Those who have a Christ candle place it in the center of the wreath and leave it there during Advent. 
2. In Christmas liturgies and Mass: Beginning with Christmas Eve, priests wear white vestments to mark the celebration of Jesus’ birth.

White in Advent reminds the faithful of the purity and holiness of Christ, building anticipation for his arrival and the joy of Christmas.

More Advent Content:

• Is Advent in the Bible?
• What Are the 4 Themes of Advent?
• What Is Advent?
• Catholic Prayers for Advent