THE ALTAR PARAMENTS AT FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH

Strictly speaking, the altar paraments include the altar and sacramental linens as well as the colored hangings. For a complete description of these articles and their place in the church calendar, see General Rubrics on page 292 of the Common Service Book, or 488 of the text edition. The colored paraments are often called super-frontals or frontlets. In the Lutheran Church parament changes are not affected by occasional services such as weddings and funerals.

Violet

This color is associated with times of anticipation, penitence and preparation for important coming events. This color is therefore used in both the Advent and Lenten seasons.

Advent is a prophetic season, the time when we are preparing in a penitential manner for the coming of the promised Messiah. The suitable symbols on the parament for this season are the Scroll in the center with Greek crosses on either side and the Alpha and Omega on the left and right. The Scroll is a symbol of prophecy. The Greek letters refer to the Deity of Christ “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” The Greek crosses emphasize the story.

For Lent, the violet color definitely denotes penitence. Here we have another prophecy the approaching time of the crucifixion. On this parament we have the Three Nails, the Cross with the letters INRI, the Seamless Coat and the Crown of Thorns. Greek crosses are not to be used in connection with symbols referring to Calvary. The above are all passion symbols. The nails and the crown of thorns symbolize the mockery, trial and condemnation. The Latin cross with the letters remind us of the actual crucifixion. The letters mean “Jesus of Nazarus, King of the Jews.” The seamless coat is symbolical of the dividing of his raiment among the soldiers by casting lots.

White

White is the symbol of Divinity, purity, joy and victory. It expresses the general feeling of happiness on all days of a joyous nature.

The parament for the Christmas and Epiphany sea sons bears the Mystic Rose at the left, the words “Gloria in Excelsis Deo” in the center, and the Five-Pointed Star at the right. The rose in this case, which could be the blossom of the Glastonbury thorn, symbolizes the Nativity, or the fulfillment of the prophecy of the coming of the Messiah. The Latin words in the center mean “Glory to God in the Highest.” The five-pointed star is the star of the Epiphany. It symbolizes the star which guided the Wise Men upon their visit to the Christ Child, and also the time when Christ proclaimed the Gospel to the gentiles.

The parament for the Easter season shows the word “Alleluia” in the center, and Greek crosses to the left and right. These symbols are all representative of the spirit of joy because of the supreme triumph of our Lord over sin and death in the resurrection. It is the glorious climax of Christ’s passion, and of God’s plan of salvation. The word “Alleluia” is Greek for “Praise the Lord.” The Greek crosses are sacred embellishments.

Green

This color is symbolical of Christian life and the ministry of the Church. It is used during the Pre-Lenten and Trinity seasons.

The Pre-Lenten season marks the time of Christ’s journey to Calvary. “Behold, we go up to Jerusalem.” The lessons of the Trinity season dwell more on the ministry under the power bestowed by the descent of the Holy Spirit. The Trinity is the longest of all the Church seasons.

The Green parament is adorned with the words “Holy, Holy, Holy” called the trisagian, or thrice holy. Here again the Greek crosses are used for emphasis and ecclesiastical ornamentation.

Red

Red is the color of blood and fire, and as such it symbolizes sacrifice as well as zeal in the work of the Church. Christ gave his life blood for the redemption of the world, while many of his followers became martyrs to the cause.

The symbols on this parament are the White Descending Dove in the center, and the Seven-Pointed Star and Seven Flames on the right and left. The Dove denotes the Descent of the Holy Spirit. The stars and flames symbolize the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit, namely: power, wealth, wisdom, might, honor, glory and blessing.

This parament is therefore used in the major festival of Whitsunday and the week following, on all minor festivals denoting sacrifice and work for the Church, and on many other days of special significance. A complete list of these are given in the General Rubrics. The red parament supersedes the seasonal color on all the special days to which it is assigned.

Black