Friday Facts - Colors

Since last week when I checked out the significance and symbolism behing various plants in the Bible (which I got started on only because I was looking for some info on the olive branch... isn't it funny how we get off in a direction we never really intended because of one little, teeny, 'ole question we have?), I've started looking at some other areas of symbolism in the Bible. My interest has been peaked! :)

As I was digging around looking at various websites that provided this type of information, I ran across the following information regarding the symbolism behind colors. Again, I instantly became intrigued with this info and wanted to share with you today. Enjoy! :)


White symbolizes the purity of the soul, innocence, and holiness. White is a symbol of purity and virginity, which is where we find the tradition of the white wedding dress and the white robes and collars worn by Christian clergy. The virgin Mary wears white in images of the immaculate conception, and under her blue robes in other portraits.

Black is an ancient symbol of death and mourning; it is used to symbolize the devil, the underworld, witches, and mourning, except when paired with white, the color of purity, whereby it becomes a symbol of humility.

Brown and grey are symbols of humility and earthiness; grey is also a color of mourning.

Blue is the color most often associated with the Virgin Mary, portrayals of the Virgin and the living Christ (ie, Jesus before the crucifixion) wear blue mantles. Blue symbolizes truth and clarity, it is the color of the sky, and therefore a symbol of heaven.

Green symbolizes life and vegetation, and is an emblem of the resurrection.

Yellow/gold is the color of the sun, it symbolizes divine radiance, revelation, and revealed truth. Yellow can also be used as a symbol of the devil, and of the apostle Judas, where it symbolizes deceitfulness and betrayal.

Red is the color of love, anger, passion, and blood. It is used in the Church to denote the staus of Cardinal, and is a predominant color in images of martyrdom. Red is also the color of the Pentecost; symbolizing the fiery nature of the Holy Ghost. Worn by the virgin, it is the emblem of lifesblood.

The royal color purple is a symbol of power, and often represents God. In other uses, it symbolizes repentance and sorrow, and is often used to represent the mourning for Christ crucified in the weeks leading up to Easter.