Purple is one of the most important colours in the Bible. It is often used to represent the glory of God, or his presence and power. In the New Testament, purple is associated with royalty, resurrection, and suffering. It is also a symbol of humility and purity.
In the Old Testament, purple is a colour associated with humility and devotion to God. It is mentioned in many stories associated with the kings, queens and prophets of Israel. In Exodus 25:4, for example, God instructed Moses to use purple cloth to make the curtains for the Tabernacle. In Numbers 4:13, the Lord commanded that the priest’s garments be made of purple. Kings and queens such as David and Solomon wore purple robes to show their loyalty to God, and Elijah’s mantle was also purple.
In the New Testament, purple is a symbol of Christ’s kingship, and is mentioned in several stories. In the Gospels, Jesus is described as wearing a purple robe when Pilate delivered him to the crowd to be crucified. In the book of Revelation, Jesus’ return is described as being clothed in a “robe dipped in blood”, which is typically interpreted as being purple. In addition to being a symbol of suffering and resurrection, purple is sometimes used to represent the power and presence of God.
Purple In Early Christian Communities
Purple was also a popular colour among early Christian communities. Many early Christian churches used purple cloth for tabernacles, vestments, and other items. It was also used on veils, altar cloths, and other church decorations. Purple was often chosen as a colour because it was a royal colour, representing the kingship of Christ.
Historians have found that purple was also used in some pagan rituals. Some have suggested that early Christians may have adopted the colour as part of their own rituals to tie their faith to the power and authority of God.
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, purple is still an important colour. The clergy and monks wear purple robes as a symbol of humility and devotion to God. It is often used to decorate the church during special occasions, such as Easter, and also to mark feast days.
Purple is also used in other faiths and cultures. In Chinese culture, purple is associated with good luck, health, and fortune. It is a colour worn by many brides on their wedding day as a symbol of fertility and prosperity. In Islam, purple is associated with royalty, spirituality and justice.
Purple In Contemporary Society
In modern society, purple has come to represent creative expression and artistic challenge. For many people, it is a colour of creativity and freedom, and it is often used in fashion and art. Purple is also the colour of the LGBTQIA+ flag and is associated with the struggle for civil rights, while in religious contexts, it is still associated with humility, devotion, and reverence.
In terms of its meaning in the Bible, it is clear that purple has had a long and varied history. It has been associated with humility, devotion, suffering, and resurrection, as well as a symbol of power and authority. Today, this symbolic meaning is still relevant in many aspects of our lives, from fashion and art to civil rights movements.
Psychology Behind The Colour Purple
The psychological implications of the colour purple are varied and complex. On one hand, it is associated with creativity, imagination, and freedom. On the other hand, it is also associated with sadness, fear, and pain. While some may see purple as a calming colour, others may find it oppressive. For example, it is sometimes perceived as the colour of mourning and sadness, such as in the case of the LGBTQIA+ community.
The psychological impact of the colour can vary, especially depending on personal and cultural perspectives. However, in general, purple is associated with creative freedom, passion, power, and reverence. It is a colour full of symbolic meaning, and its psychological effects can be quite profound.
Spiritual Symbolism of The Colour Purple
Purple is widely recognised as a colour of spiritual power, and has been associated with spiritual traditions for centuries. In Hinduism, Buddhists and other religions, the colour purple is considered to have the power to bring forth enlightenment and a connection to a higher power. In the Bible, it is a symbol of spiritual authority, and is often seen as a colour of suffering and resurrection.
As a symbol of spiritual power, purple can be particularly effective in times of crisis, as it can help to bring about spiritual renewal. It can also help to reinforce spiritual connections, create a sense of peace and well-being, and bring about a greater sense of clarity.
Colour Purple In The Arts
The rich symbolism of the colour purple has long inspired artists of all disciplines. From painters to novelists, purple has often been used to express strong emotions and powerful messages. For example, the acclaimed French novelist Marcel Proust used purple to reflect the inner turmoil and suffering of his characters. The colour purple has also been used in musical compositions, often to create a sense of sadness or grief.
Purple has also been a popular colour choice in literature. In Victor Hugo’s novel, Les Misérables, for example, purple is used to represent the power of faith and the strength of Jean Valjean’s character. In Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, purple flowers are often used to convey mystery, magic, and adventure.
In art, purple has inspired artists for centuries. For example, the Impressionist painter Claude Monet used to use purple to reflect his love of nature and landscape painting. Similarly, the Expressionist painter Käthe Kollwitz used purple to convey her emotional responses to social and political issues. The colour purple is also associated with the surrealist movement. Salvador Dalí’s iconic painting The Persistence of Memory famously features the colour purple.
Religious Significance Of The Colour Purple
In a religious context, the colour purple is steeped in spiritual significance. As mentioned above, it is often associated with humility and devotion, as well as spiritual and emotional suffering. In Jewish tradition, blue is the colour of the High Priest’s robes, while purple is the colour of faith in God and obedience to His will. In Christianity, purple is associated with Jesus’ suffering and resurrection. Similarly, purple is a colour associated with Ramadan and the hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca.
As we have seen, the colour purple has a deep and varied history in many spiritual and religious traditions. Its symbolism is often powerful and meaningful, and it is a colour associated with creative expression, passionate convictions, power, and reverence.
