What are the four liturgical colors that we use to decorate the sanctuary, celebrating the church year?
The use of colors to differentiate liturgical seasons became a common practice in the Western church in about the fourth century. At first, usages varied considerably but by the 12th century Pope Innocent III systematized the use of five colors: Violet, White, Black, Red and Green. The Lutheran and Anglican churches that emerged from the Reformation retained the traditional colors but they disappeared entirely (along with most other ritual) from the worship of the Reformed churches. During the 20th century, the ecumenical Liturgical Movement prompted the rediscovery of ancient Christian ritualincluding the traditional colors of the Western church. To these have been added Blue and Goldcolors that were used in some Western rites before the 12th century. Briefly, the colors express emotions and ideas that are associated with each of the seasons of the liturgical year. PURPLE (generally used during Advent and Lent) is the ancient royal color and therefore a symbol of the sovereignty of Ch
