Purple (#2)

Our title, Fifty Shades of Purple, offers an invitation to examine the liturgical color of the Lenten season. Why purple? In the ancient world purple signified wealth, prosperity, or royalty. The general explanation is that the color was so rare in nature and so expensive to produce as dye that only the most well off could afford it. The color was associated with prosperity and majesty and by extension to royalty. Purple was the color of curtains and carpets in the Temple and the color of priestly garments (see Exodus 25, 26, 27, and Numbers 4 for examples). In the town of Philipi Paul meets Lydia, a cloth merchant from the town of Thyatira, known for its dyes, including the color purple. The story of her conversion and her hospitality to other believers is recounted in Acts 16. So how did prosperity and majesty come to be associated with penitence? Some say that the color for Lent is associated with the cloak placed on Jesus when he was mocked by soldiers after his trial. Mark 15:17 say that Jesus was dressed in purple and a crown of thorns. He had been dubbed “King of the Jews,” and the purple would reflect that title. John 19:5 indicates that Jesus was sent out with a crown of thorns and a purple robe. (Some scripture verses indicate the robe was scarlet, especially in Matthew.) This is one explanation for how a royal color came to be associated with penitence. Today, purple is associated with various causes and groups who serve individuals in need or who have medical problems. Here is a short list of awareness days or campaigns associated with the color purple: Alzheimer's Disease, Domestic Violence, Lupus, March of Dimes, and Spirit Day, which recognizes victims of homophobia. As we move through the season, we might consider these groups (or any charity of your choice) for donation and prayer.