Why Is Purple the Color of Lent?

As we enter the season of Lent, you'll see churches around the world draped in deep shades of purple, on the altar, in the vestments of the clergy, and even in our homes. But have you ever wondered why purple is the color of this season?

The answer is found in both the suffering and kingship of Christ.

The Mocking of the King

In the Gospel of Mark, we find a moment of profound cruelty and yet, deep theological significance:

“And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. And they began to salute him, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him and kneeling down in homage to him.” Mark 15:17-19

The soldiers, mocking Jesus’ claim to be the Messiah, dressed Him in royal purple and placed a crown of thorns upon His head. They ridiculed His kingship, unknowingly affirming the very truth they sought to deny: Jesus is indeed the King.

For the soldiers, this was nothing more than humiliation. But for us, it is a moment of revelation. Christ the King is not like the rulers of this world. His throne is the cross. His crown is made of thorns. His glory is found in suffering.

Every time we see purple during Lent, we are drawn back to this moment. We remember the suffering Christ endured, the love that led Him to the cross, and the reality of His kingship.

The Dual Symbolism of Purple

Purple has long been associated with royalty and majesty. In the ancient world, purple dye was rare and costly, often reserved for emperors and kings. The Roman soldiers’ choice to place a purple cloak on Jesus was meant as mockery, but it was actually a declaration of who He truly is, the King of Kings.

At the same time, purple is also the color of penance and repentance. For centuries, the Church has used this color during seasons of fasting, self-examination, and preparation. It is a color of humility, reminding us of our need for God’s mercy and grace.

During Lent, purple invites us to reflect on both:

The royalty of Christ, who reigns in love and humility.
The suffering of Christ, who took on the weight of our sin.

Bringing Lent Into Your Home: Incorporating Purple

The Church uses purple throughout Lent as a visual reminder of this season’s significance. We can do the same in our homes, creating a space that reflects our journey of repentance and preparation.

Here are some simple ways to incorporate purple into your home during Lent:

Cover sacred images. Traditionally, statues, icons, and crosses are covered with purple fabric during Lent as a sign of mourning and anticipation of Christ’s passion. Drape a purple cloth over any crosses or crucifixes in your home.
Use purple candles. Place purple candles on your dining table or prayer space as a reminder of the season. Here and here.
Set the table with purple. Use a purple table runner, napkins, or placemats at meals to remind your family that we are walking through Lent together. Here and here.
Create a prayer space. Dedicate a quiet space in your home with purple cloth, candles, and a Bible for daily Lenten devotions.
Dress in purple. Wear purple on Ash Wednesday or throughout the season as a way to align yourself with the themes of Lent.

These small, intentional changes help to create a sacred atmosphere in our homes, reminding us that we are in a season of reflection, penitence, and preparation.

A Call to Reflection

The color purple is not just a liturgical decoration, it is an invitation.

When we see the deep purple hues of Lent, let them remind us:

To repent, to turn away from sin and toward Christ.
To remember, the suffering He endured for our sake.
To prepare, for the joy of Easter, when our King, once robed in purple and crowned with thorns, is revealed in His resurrection glory.

This Lent, let purple be more than a color. Let it be a call to deeper devotion, a visual reminder of the love, sacrifice, and kingship of Jesus Christ.

If you’d like to know more about Lent, including the meaning, history, recipes, and traditions behind it all, then you’ll love my guidebook, The Liturgical Home: Lent. It gives you everything you need to celebrate Lent in your Home!