The color purple is strongly associated with the Christian holiday of Easter. But why exactly is purple so symbolic during this religious celebration? The particular shade holds deep meaning and has a long history intertwined with Easter traditions.
The Significance of the Color Purple
In Christianity, the color purple is considered the color of royalty, passion, and suffering. It has also come to represent spiritual growth, wisdom, and positive transformation. During the Lenten season leading up to Easter, purple vestments and altar cloths symbolize penitence and solemnity as Christians reflect on Christ’s passion and resurrection.
The color purple is specifically associated with Easter for the following reasons:
Royalty
Purple dye was rare and expensive in ancient times, so the color was associated with royalty, nobility, and wealth. As Easter celebrates Jesus Christ as the divine King of Kings, the color purple is a fitting representation of His royal status.
Passion
In the events leading up to the crucifixion, the Bible describes Jesus being clothed in purple by Roman soldiers to mock his claim to kingship. The purple robe was meant to represent His passion and suffering before death on the cross. Purple is a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice.
Resurrection
After Jesus was crucified and buried, the Bible records that His tomb was found empty three days later, affirming His resurrection. Purple’s rich hue evokes themes of transformation, transcendence, and new life associated with Christ’s resurrection from the dead.
History of Purple Dye
To understand the special significance of the color purple, it helps to look back at the historical origins of purple dye production:
| Time Period | Location | Purple Dye Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1500 BC | Phoenicia (modern Lebanon) | Murex sea snails |
| 400 BC | Greece | Murex and Purpura sea snails |
| 1st century BC | Rome | Murex and Purpura snails from the Tyre region |
As shown in the table, for centuries the only source of purple dye came from secretions of specific sea snails found in the Mediterranean Sea. It took thousands of snails to yield just a small amount of purple dye. Because the process was so labor-intensive, purple fabric was extremely expensive and became a status symbol of imperial power and wealth.
The Phoenicians established the first large-scale purple dye industry in the city of Tyre around 1500 BC. Later the Greeks and Romans continued producing purple dye using the same methods. Fabrics dyed purple ranged from dark reddish-purples to bluish-purples, depending on the type of snail and dye techniques.
Purple in the Ancient Church
During the first centuries AD, as Christianity was becoming established, church leaders adopted the color purple for ceremonial use due to its regal Roman associations.
Bishops wore purple vestments to show their status and authority in the church. The purple dye was also used to create special hangings and robes to decorate cathedrals. Since only the very wealthy and influential could afford purple, it highlighted the influential position of the early Christian church.
Purple in Medieval Christianity
In medieval Europe from the 5th to 15th centuries AD, purple retained its status as a luxury color linked to royalty and nobility. The rulers of the Byzantine Empire wore purple silk robes dyed with an exclusive purple color known as Tyrian purple from the city of Tyre. Byzantine emperors actually passed laws restricting common people from wearing purple garments.
Meanwhile in Western Europe, kings and princes wore purple robes and capes as a symbol of their authority. The medieval Catholic Church also continued using purple for bishops’ garments and in religious tapestries. Purple dye was still challenging to produce, so purple fabrics remained expensive and associated with status and wealth.
Modern Uses of Liturgical Purple
Today in modern Christianity, the color purple is no longer limited to rulers and aristocracy as synthetic purple dyes have made the color easily accessible. But the traditional regal and solemn meanings continue in the following ways:
Lent
During the 40 days of Lent leading up to Easter, purple is used in churches to create a mood of penitence and sacrifice. Purple altar cloths, priest garments, and banners set the tone for this solemn season of introspection and repentance.
Advent
The 4 weeks preceding Christmas are known as the Advent season. Purple represents the hopeful yet anticipatory mood as Christians prepare for the arrival of the newborn king, Jesus.
Funerals
In some Christian denominations, purple vestments or hangings are used at funerals to acknowledge the solemnity of death, loss, and grief. Purple also represents hope in the resurrection.
Royalty
Kings, queens, and emperors may still wear purple robes or sashes at formal occasions to maintain a regal sense of tradition. The royal family of the United Kingdom has maintained the custom for centuries.
Conclusion
While synthetic dyes have made purple more affordable and widespread today, the color retains a special symbolism in the Christian faith. The rich hue evokes solemn introspection, royalty, suffering, and resurrection. During the Lent and Easter seasons, purple stands out as the primary liturgical color, connect today’s worship practices with ancient traditions. From precious snail secretions in the ancient world to vivid synthetic pigments today, the color purple retains a meaningful place in the Easter holiday.
