In the Christian tradition colors are used for vestments and paraments, but a unified system of colors developed only gradually and haphazardly until and through the Middle Ages. Today many churches, including Church of the Palms, follow a common practice. The colors serve to adorn the worship space, and to call attention to the nature of the season or festival being celebrated. A brief summary of their usage, according to the church year, follows.

Advent

Blue is used for its references to hope. It originated in Scandinavia, probably because purple dye was too expensive for churches to use. The alternate color for Advent is purple, the royal color of the coming King (note that this is a different meaning than when it is used in Lent; see below).

Christmas

White is used, as a reference to the purity of the newborn Christ, and to our light and joy in him.

Epiphany of Our Lord

White (see Christmas)

Baptism of Our Lord

White (see Christmas)

Sundays after the Epiphany

Green is used for its symbolism of our growth in Christ. Green, in a sense, is a "neutral color," used when more festive or more somber color is not appointed

Transfiguration of Our Lord

White (see Christmas)

Ash Wednesday

Black is the preferred color, since it is the color of the ashes to which we will all return. Purple is the alternate color for this first day of Lent.

Lent

Purple is indicated, as the stark color of repentance and solemnity.

Sunday of the Passion (Palm Sunday)

Scarlet is the preferred color of this first day of Holy Week, as it suggests the deep color of blood. (Scarlet is to be distinguished from the brighter color of red, which is appointed for the Day of Pentecost, martyrs' days, and certain church celebrations). If a congregation does not have scarlet vestments, purple may be used.

Days of Holy Week

Scarlet or purple may be used for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of Holy Week.

Maundy Thursday

For this fourth day of Holy Week, celebrated as the institution of the Lord's Supper, scarlet or white is used.

Good Friday

No vestments or paraments are used on this day, after the stripping of the altar on Maundy Thursday night.

Vigil of Easter

White as the color of joy in the Resurrection is used on this night.

Easter Day

On this one day of the church year, gold may be used. White is the alternate, perhaps with gold running through it. The gold color indicates that this day is the "queen of feasts," unique in the entire church year.

Sundays of Easter

White (see Vigil of Easter).

Day of Pentecost

Red as the color of fire is used on this day when we remember the tongues of fire descended on the crowd in Jerusalem. In contrast to the color of scarlet, Pentecost's red is a bright color.

The Holy Trinity

White is appointed, the expression of joy in the mystery of the Triune God.

Other Sundays after Pentecost

Green is used, to indicate our growth in faith as we follow the teachings and ministry of Christ.

Christ the King

The final day of the church year uses white, a festive color of light, joy, and the celebration of our Lord.

Lesser festivals and commemorations

are white, unless a martyr is celebrated, in which case bright red is used.