Red Vestments

Red carries two meanings, which is why it appears at opposite ends of the year. It is the colour of fire, worn at Pentecost and at Confirmation; and the colour of blood, worn on Palm Sunday and Good Friday, on feasts of the Lord's Passion, and on the feasts of the apostles, the evangelists and the martyrs.

Our reds run from a deep burgundy to a warmer Pentecost red, in satin and velvet with gold and coloured embroidery. The collection gathers stoles, cassock robes, a dalmatic and a chalice veil.

Choosing a red. A brighter, flame-toned red reads as Pentecost and Confirmation; a deeper crimson or burgundy suits Palm Sunday, Good Friday and the feasts of martyrs. Where a parish keeps one red set for the whole year, a mid-tone red with gold embroidery serves both. A dove or flame motif marks a stole for the Holy Spirit, while a cross or palm suits the Passion and the martyrs.

See also Pentecost vestments, Holy Week vestments and ordination gifts.

From the Journal: Liturgical colours by season and tradition