Seasons of the Lutheran Calendar
ADVENT
(4 weeks) Blue
Season starts, usually the last week of Nov. Advent means ‘coming’,
a time of anticipation, preparation, and reflection upon the birth
of Christ (including his second coming). The color ‘Blue’ stands for
royalty, hope – a king is approaching – Emanuel coming into our
midst!
CHRISTMAS
(12 days) White
Season begins on Christmas Eve and lasts until Jan 6th
(day of Epiphany) Christmas is an exiting and celebrative time.
Christmas brings us, as the angel said, “Good News of a great joy”.
The color White is for light and joy.
EPIPHANY
(5 or more weeks) Green
The revealing of Jesus as the Christ. It’s the time of the Three
Wise Men – It’s a time of Spiritual Growth. It’s not really
celebrative nor pentitive - it’s a continuation of the Christmas
spirit. The color green stands for growth.
Ash
Wednesday Black
Begins the 40 day Season of Lent
LENT
(40 days) Purple
A time for new birth and dedication; a time of preparation and
remembering and rejoicing focusing on what God has done for us; we
remember our Baptisms. The color purple stands for solemnity.
Holy Week
Palm Sunday
Purple
Maundy Thursday
White
Good Friday
Black
Becomes a day of quiet reflection and celebration –
for God’s plan for salvation has been accomplished
EASTER
(50days) White
Rejoicing in the miracle of the Resurrection (a time of great joy)
hence, the color. Alleluia – praise God! are included in hymns and
scriptures.
DAY OF PENTECOST
RED
Birth of the Church; arrival of the Holy Spirit. Color meaning is
fire.
DAYS AFTER PENTECOST
(6 mos, rest of year) Green
A time of growth of the Church – a time of celebration. The Holy
Spirit is calling, gathering, giving life – growth, hence, green
color
