Where They Are Found

• Paraments used on pulpit and altarImage by Flickr.com, courtesy of Armando Maynez
  
  Mainline Protestant churches and other denominations generally use paraments on the altar, pulpit, lectern or main reading desk, as well as the communion table. As part of the visual environment, the colors of paraments can help shape what worshippers perceive and expect in a service.
  
  

History

• The origin of paraments, like many worship practices, can't be pinpointed to a year or place--although fabric use has been influenced by Jewish and Roman traditions. During a period known as the "Liturgical Movement" in the 1800s and 1900s, both Protestants and Catholics discovered a renewed interest in traditions of the early church, including use of banners and paraments.
  
  

Symbolic Meanings

• Today, parament colors are chosen to herald the changing seasons of the church year: Purples, grays and blues are used for preparatory or penitential times, such as Advent or Lent. White and gold are used for joyous events, like Easter and Christmas. Flame red is used for occasions relating to the Holy Spirit, such as Pentecost or ordinations, as well as Holy Week or commemoration of Christian martyrs.
  
  

Color of Ordinary Time

• Green-color of spiritual growthImage by Flickr.com, courtesy of Lydur Skulason
  
  Green, the parament color seen most often, symbolizes the need for spiritual growth. It is used in the seasons after Epiphany or Pentecost, also known as "ordinary time."
  
  

Matching Vestments

• Purple stole worn during LentImage by Flickr.com, courtesy of Scott Schram
  
  The robes or stoles worn by pastors are also coordinated with seasonal parament colors, so vestments match the altar or pulpit coverings. However they are used, paraments are one way that churches add drama to their worship, setting apart the time and space as sacred.