For many centuries the liturgical vestments were exclusively white, like the ordinary dress of classic times. The writers of the Carolingian period (750-887 AD) in their desire to find parallels between the portrayals of the Old and New Testaments, were the first to remember that different colors were used in the vestments of the Jewish high priest. In addition to the white under garment which he wore in common with the simple priests, he wore an upper garment of blue and a partly-colored shoulder garment, the ephod, of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen, interwoven with gold thread. The repeated references to these vestments gradually led to the adoption of colored vestments for Mass. Innocent III (1198-1216) was the first to speak of all the liturgical colors and to regulate their use in the Roman Church, but always with reference to the regulations of the Old Testament.
EXPLANATION OF VESTMENT COLORS FOR THE LATIN RITE
The different colors of the priest’s vestments have specific meaning:
- White, signifies innocence and spiritual joy, and is worn on feasts in honor of our Lord, such as Christmas and Easter; the Blessed Virgin, the angels, confessors and virgins, The Chair of Peter, The Conversion of Paul, Birth of John the Baptist, All Souls and funerals.
- Red, symbolizes the Holy Spirit, Suffering of the Lord, of the Apostles, and for martyrdom. Red is worn on Good Friday, the feasts of Pentecost and Martyrs, and Palm Sunday.
- Green, signifies hope, Everlasting life, and fidelity. Green is worn during Ordinary time, which is from Pentecost until Advent, and after Epiphany to until Lent.
- Violet (purple), signifies Sorrow, mourning, repentance, and penance. Violet is worn during Advent and Lenten seasons.
- Gold and Silver, symbolism is the same as white and is worn for most solemn feasts.
- Rose, symbolizes subdued joy. Rose is substituted for violet on Guadete and Laetare Sundays. At no other time is rose to be used.
- Black, symbolizes mourning and death. Black is worn on All Souls’ Day.
Gold and silver may be substituted for white at any time; especially for the most solemn feasts.
For funerals and All Souls’ Day; white, violet or black are optional.