The colours most commonly used for vestments, hangings, etc., are five - white, red, green, violet, and black.

WHITE is used on all feasts and at all seasons relating to our Lord, such as Christmas, Epiphany. Easter etc.; to the Blessed Virgin, and to those saints who were not also martyrs: at Dedication and Harvest Festivals; at Weddings and Confirmations; and generally at the burial of infants. White signifies joy and purity.

RED is used on the feasts of Martyrs and at Whitsuntide. In the former case it typifies the blood which was shed for Christ, and in the latter the cloven tongues of fire which descended upon the Apostles.

GREEN is used after the Epiphany, and for the long summer season of Trinity, and on all days which are not feasts or fasts. It is the ordinary colour of nature.

VIOLET is used throughout Advent, Septuagesima, and Lent, and on vigils, Ember Days and Rogation Days. It is employed to denote penitence.

BLACK is only used on Good Friday, on All Souls’ Day and at Offices for the Dead. It signifies mourning.