In the 1200s, Pope Innocent III systematized the use of five traditional colors: Violet, White, Black, Red and Green.
However, during the 20th century, the colors Blue and Gold had been added, colors that were used in some Western rites before the 12th century.
The colors are mostly associated with the seasons, where priests wore colored vestments and stoles during the corresponding time of the liturgical year.
VIOLET or PURPLE refers to an ancient royal color, and is therefore a symbol of the sovereignty of Christ. It speaks of fasting, faith, patience and trust. It is generally used as the liturgical color during the seasons of penance, Advent and Lent, as purple is associated with repentance from sin.
WHITE symbolizes purity, virginity, innocence, and birth. It is the liturgical color of Christmas and Easter.
BLACK, although it may also refer to fear and ignorance, represents mourning and death which explains why it is also the liturgical color for Good Friday.
RED shows charity and spiritual awakening. It denotes Holy Spirit as it is the color of fire and the Pentecost. It is also the color of blood, and therefore is the color of martyrs and of Christ’s death on the Cross.
GREEN signifies growth, the breaking of shackles and freedom from bondage. It represents bountifulness, hope and the victory of life over death. It is one of the colors associated with Christmas and the long season of the Trinity in summer.
ORANGE is the color of fire and flame.
YELLOW is the symbol of light and purity. It speaks of youth, happiness, the harvest, hospitality, love and benevolence.
BLUE is the color of the sky and in some rites honors Mary. The blue skies or the life-giving air signifies hope or good health. It is an alternate color for the season of Advent.
BROWN symbolizes earth. Often seen on monks' robes, it signifies humility and God’s connection with the commonplace and the ordinary.
