Easter is a joyful holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. For many, it is a day filled with Easter egg hunts, family gatherings, and festive meals. But when it comes to fashion, things can get a bit tricky. Some wonder if certain colors like purple are appropriate to wear on this holy day. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the history and meaning behind Easter colors and look at whether purple is an acceptable option for your Easter Sunday outfit.
The Significance of Easter Colors
Throughout history, certain colors have become associated with Easter and carry deep symbolic meaning related to Passion week and Jesus’ resurrection. Here are some of the most common Easter colors and their significance:
| Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| White | Represents purity, virtue, and the resurrection |
| Yellow | Symbolizes joy and hope |
| Green | Signifies nature, fertility, and new life |
| Purple | Historically associated with mourning and passion |
| Pink | Suggests sweetness, innocence, and femininity |
| Blue | Points to calmness, tranquility, and sometimes mourning |
As you can see, the colors worn on Easter are rich with meaning. Each hue evokes themes related to Passion week, mourning Christ’s death, and then celebrating his resurrection on Easter Sunday.
The Origins of Wearing New Clothes on Easter
Early Christians adopted the tradition of wearing new clothes on Easter Sunday to symbolize the new life offered through Christ’s resurrection. This practice traced back to early baptismal traditions.
In the early church, new converts were baptized and dressed in white robes during the Easter vigil. The white clothes represented washing away old sins and indicating spiritual purity through baptism. For the newly baptized, wearing white signified their new life in Christ.
Over time, this practice expanded to the wider congregation wearing new clothes on Easter. It served as an outward symbol of the inward renewal happening spiritually as they celebrated Christ’s resurrection.
When Purple Became a Popular Easter Color
During the Middle Ages, wearing new clothes on Easter remained a standard tradition. As dyeing techniques improved, other colors like purple became an option for Easter vestments.
Purple dye was labor-intensive to produce, so it was expensive and seen as a luxury color. Royal figures and high officials wore the color purple. The Catholic Church also embraced purple for the Season of Lent.
As a result, the rich hue became associated with solemnity, penance, and mourning during the Passion of Christ. On Easter Sunday, a touch of regal purple communicated Christ’s sovereignty as risen King.
Modern Associations with the Color Purple
Today, purple evokes a range of associations beyond mourning and royalty. It remains a popular choice for the Season of Lent. But other positive meanings connected to purple make it fitting for Easter’s celebratory spirit.
Here are some modern connections with the color purple:
- Creativity – Purple invites imagination and innovation
- Wisdom – It’s historically tied to wisdom, dignity, independence, and mystery
- Magic – Evokes thoughts of fantasy, mysticism, and magic
- Spirituality – Associated with spiritual awakening, compassion, and mindfulness
- Uniqueness – Purple suggests individuality and artistic expression
With meanings like creativity, spirituality, and uniqueness, purple delivers plenty of lively symbolism for Easter beyond just somberness.
Is Purple Appropriate to Wear on Easter Sunday?
Given purple’s broad symbolism, is it acceptable to wear on Easter Sunday? The answer is yes – purple is absolutely appropriate for Easter outfits today.
While purple was once strictly associated with mourning Christ’s death, modern perspectives allow us to also connect it with celebrating his resurrection. The uplifting meanings around wisdom, spirituality, and creativity make purple a fitting color for Easter festivities.
Purple is a beautiful way to acknowledge the Passion while honoring the joy of Easter Sunday. Depending on your style, you might wear a pastel purple sundress, a lavender blouse, or an eggplant-hued tie. Brighter jewel tones can communicate vibrancy, while softer lavenders or lilacs align more closely with femininity or innocence.
Today, Christians have freedom in selecting colors that hold personal meaning for their Easter celebrations. And churches welcome colorful spring outfits rather than require subdued hues like in previous eras. Purple captures both solemnity and celebration, making it a meaningful and versatile choice for Easter.
Tips for Wearing Purple on Easter Sunday
Ready to incorporate this rich hue into your Easter Sunday look? Here are some tips for stylishly wearing purple for the holiday:
- Choose lighter pastel purples and lavenders for a softer, springtime vibe.
- Select a deeper eggplant or jewel tone purple for a bolder, dramatic statement.
- Mix different purple shades together for added depth and interest.
- Pair purple with pink or yellow to really bring out the liveliness of the color.
- Add metallic shoes or jewelry for a pop of shine and sparkle.
- Try incorporating purple through small accents like a handbag, hat, or hair clip.
- Layer purple with neutrals like white, gray, or black for balance.
- Have fun with different purple-hued patterns like floral, stripes, or checks.
With so many ways to style it, purple is guaranteed to make a stylish statement this Easter.
Conclusion
Easter’s explosion of brightly colored blooms shows how appropriate purple can be for this springtime Christian holiday. While once solely associated with Lenten mourning, purple is now a versatile and uplifting color choice for Easter outfits.
Whether you opt for a light pastel or deep vibrant purple garment, this colorful Easter style allows you to celebrate Christ’s resurrection with creativity and spiritual joy. So don’t be afraid to add a touch of purple to your look this Easter Sunday!