💜 The Symbolism of Purple/Violet Have you ever wondered how purple became the color for Lent and Advent? Purple is the liturgical color symbolizing prayer, preparation, and penance leading up to Easter and Christmas. In the ancient world purple dye was rare and expensive, so the color became a symbol for royalty. Roman Emperors, for example, famously wore purple as a sign of power. During his Passion, Jesus was clothed in a purple robe by Roman soldiers and crowned with thorns to mock him as a