Each season has various colors on the altar to help bring out the spirit of the holiday season. Many of these factors help emphasize a season’s unique message.
White / Gold (Joy, Purity, Glory): Used during Christmas and Easter seasons, as well as celebrations of the Lord, Angels, and Saints.
Red (Fire, Blood, Sacrifice): Used on Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Pentecost, and feasts of Apostles, Evangelists, and Martyrs.
Violet / Purple (Penance, Preparation, Royalty): The colors used during Advent, Pre-Lent, and Lent.
Green (Growth, Hope, Life): Used during the “Non-Festival” time of the year, which is the period outside of major seasons like Lent/Easter and Advent/Christmas.
Rose / Pink (Anticipation/Joy): Used optionally on Gaudete Sunday (3rd Sunday of Advent) and Laetare Sunday (4th Sunday of Lent) to signify joy in the midst of fasting.
Black: Traditional color for Masses for the Dead and All Souls’ Day, signifying mourning.
Blue: Sometimes used in Advent instead of violet.