Symbolism of the Liturgical Colors
Purple	Purple signifies great solemnity, with connotations of both penance and royal dignity.
Gold	Gold may sometimes replace white.  White is a symbol of purity, light, rejoicing, and of the Resurrection.
Green	Green signifies new growth, the flourishing of the Christ's vineyard.
Red	Red symbolizes the blood of the martyrs', and also fire for Pentecost.

Seasons of the Church Year

 

 

The Seasons Explained
Advent	Advent is a time of preparation during the four weeks before Christmas.  The word "Advent" means coming or arrival, and it is the arrival of the Christ child that we anticipate during this season.  The first Sunday of Advent is the beginning of the church year.
Christmas	Christmas is the season that takes place during the twelve days between Christmas day and Epiphany.  We celebrate the birth of Christ during Christmas.
Epiphany	Epiphany starts on January 6 and continues through to the beginning of Lent.  January 6 is the day for remembering the visitation of the child Jesus by the scholars from a distant land.
Lent	Lent starts on Ash Wednesday and continues through to Easter.  The 40 days of Lent remind us of Christ’s time in the wilderness when he fasted and was tempted.  During Lent we take particular care to examine ourselves and repent.  Some people add a spiritual discipline during the season of Lent, such as fasting.
Holy Week	The days between Palm Sunday and Easter make up Holy Week. These days observe the events in the life of Jesus from the entry into Jerusalem through the crucifixion and burial. Palm Sunday is sometimes called Passion Sunday because of the tragic events of the week to come. The primary observances of Holy Week are: Maundy Thursday (instruction of the Eucharist of Lord's Supper); Good Friday (the passion and death of Jesus); and Holy Saturday (the burial of Jesus).
Easter	The principal and most ancient festival of the Christian church year is Easter.  At Easter we celebrate the resurrection of Christ, the final conquering of death.  The season of Easter lasts 50 days until the Day of Pentecost.
Pentecost	Pentecost is a remembrance of the gift of the Holy Spirit to the ancient believers on the Day of Pentecost.  During Pentecost we celebrate God’s continued presence in our lives in the form of his Spirit.  Pentecost continues through to the Saturday before Trinity Sunday.
Ordinary Time	Also known as “Kingdomtide”, Ordinary Time begins on Trinity Sunday and continues through until the Saturday before Advent.  Various events are remembered during Ordinary Time, including the Transfiguration of Jesus, World Communion Sunday, and All Hallows Eve.