What color is salvation…justice…joy? Today, it must be Rose. Our first reading talks a little about clothing—a “robe of salvation” and a “mantle of justice”. But it leaves out the detail of what color they are, so we just have to imagine.
I rejoice heartily in the LORD, in my God is the joy of my soul; For he has clothed me with a robe of salvation, and wrapped me in a mantle of justice, Like a bridegroom adorned with a diadem, like a bride bedecked with her jewels. (Isaiah 61:10)
Since the Church on the 3rd Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete (means “rejoice”) Sunday, prescribes the option to wear the color Rose instead of Violet, I think the color of joy is Rose. Of course, White or Gold are good competitors for the title as well. But, I’m going Rose!
But what color is “Rose”? Is it just “Pink” with a fancy name? The Church does use the word “Rose”. Officially the Church defines things in Latin, and the word prescribed in Latin is “Rosa”. In Latin, that is the word for the color and the same word for the flower we also call “Rose”. In Latin, there is no other word for that shade, there is no “Pink” in Latin. Therefore, when you translate the official into English, “Rose” is clearly the better translation.
However what color is “Rose”? Well, it actually could be Pink. There is no official shade of Rose designated by the Church. A simple reason, is that having consistent processes for dyeing fabric to the exact shade of color only have come about since the 19th century. So, Rose has expressed as many different shades of the years from a silver-pink (almost mushroom color) to what many might call fuchsia. Fr. Andrew states Rose is the Official Roman Purple mixed with White. Theologically, this makes sense as we lighten up the Purple/Violet of Lent for this Sunday and anticipate the joy of Christmas (which is a White feast day).
I kind of like the ancient, natural point of view that colors came from nature. Our English word “Pink” comes from the flower “Pink” and “Rose” comes from the flower “Rose”. Who knew?!? Nature is pretty good at making beautiful shades that have depth and variety. I hear the shades of flowers are affected by soils too. In ancient Rome, the flower they would have known is the Rosa Gallica, known as Gallican Rose. Its native color is described as a “deep pink” on wikipedia (not just pink but “deep pink”), and it comes in a range of shades, depending on soil, ranging from white (rare) to pink and deep purple. Rose is complex! Color definers say “Rose” is typically defined as its own hue, a mix of colors, usually violet and red, maybe little yellow & white, whereas pInk is typically defined as a tint of red, simple red mixed with white, and with a weak amount of red.
I like Rose as the color of joy because Rose is a complex, interesting mix of things, with a greater depth than Pink. Isn’t joy like that? Think about it. Anyway, I’m sure the debate on Rose and Pink will carry on. But if this helps, I will also say, Jesus ROSE from the dead and did not PINK from the dead. Also, we pray the ROSARY not the PINKERY. So, therefore, Rose is the color of joy. Amen. Alleluia.
Peace,
Fr. Greg
P.S. Don’t forget to figure out next Sunday as both the 4th Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve. You have to attend Mass for both, as in, attend two Masses. The dividing line is Sunday 11am is the last 4th Sunday and Sunday 4pm is the first Christmas Eve.