Seasons of the Church Year
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Beginning with the Sunday nearest November 30. Four Sundays. The liturgical color for Advent is purple.
In ancient times, purple dye was very expensive, and purple cloth could be bought only by very wealthy people, such as
kings. Therefore, purple became a symbol of royalty. Purple is also a rather somber color which reminds us that
we need to examine our lives carefully before we join in the celebration of Christmas.
- Christmastide:
- Beginning on December 25. One or two Sundays. The liturgical color for Christmas is
white, the color of purity and light, because Jesus is God in the flesh (purity) and the light of the world.
- Epiphany:
- Beginning January 6, which is Epiphany day, and continuing
to the beginning of Lent. Four to nine Sundays. The liturgical color for Epiphany Day is white, because it is a Christ day, a
showing forth of the messiah. The color for the remainder of the season is green, the color
of growth, symbolizing the spread of Christ's love to all people.
- Lent:
- Beginning with Ash Wednesday (forty-six days before Easter).
Six Sundays, of which the fifth may be called Passion Sunday and the sixth,
Palm Sunday. The color for Lent is purple, the same as for Advent.
- Eastertide:
- Beginning with Easter Day and
six other Sundays of which the last may be called Ascension Sunday. The
liturgical color for Easter is white, the color for purity and light, because it is a Christ Festival.
- Pentecost:
- From eleven to sixteen Sundays beginning with the seventh
Sunday (fiftieth day) after Easter and continuing through the next to last
Sunday in August. The liturgical color for Pentecost is red, symbolizing both the fire of the Holy
Spirit and the blood of Christian martyrs, who chose to die rather than give up their faith in Christ as Savior and Lord.
- Kingdomtide:
- Beginning with the last Sunday in August and continuing
to Advent. Thirteen or Fourteen Sundays. The liturgical color for Kingdomtide is green, the color of growth, for God wants all
people to come under the control of his love.
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