Violet is a liturgical color symbolizing penance, sacrifice, and prayer.
Throughout Advent (as well as Lent and other penitential days), priests clothe themselves in violet vestments, literally garbing themselves in a reminder of penance and sacrifice.
As the world around us bursts with festive colors of green and red throughout December, our churches and clergy remain in the austere violet color, reminding us to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ through acts of prayer, penance, and charity.
We see a different color appear on the Third Sunday of Advent (that’s tomorrow!), which is called Gaudete (“Rejoice”) Sunday.
Tomorrow we will celebrate that our wait is almost over. The priests will clothe themselves in a subtle, yet beautiful shade of rose, the liturgical color used to signify joy. We will also participate in this joyful anticipation by lighting the rose candle on the Advent wreath.
For now, in this Second Week of Advent, let us imitate the violet worn on vestments and adorning our Advent candles and embrace the penitential preparation necessary for the coming of the Christ Child at Christmas.
If you’re looking for a lighthearted reminder to embrace this penitential season, bring home this fun “Offer It Up” Dish Towel! This dishtowel will not only help you during the season of Advent, but will serve as a joyful reminder all year long to embrace small sacrifices, choose joy, and unite your daily tasks to Our Lord! This is a great gift for those who love to serve in their kitchen. Available today at The Catholic Company!
