Have you ever paused to consider the significance of the colors worn on Palm Sunday? Beyond the festive palm branches, this day carries a depth of meaning, marking the beginning of Holy Week and a journey toward the cross. The liturgical colors—red, purple, and sometimes white or gold—each tell a part of this story. In this guide, we’ll explore the symbolism behind these colors and offer suggestions for appropriate attire as you prepare for Palm Sunday.

The Significance of Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday carries both joy and solemnity, as it recalls the moment when Jesus entered Jerusalem while also foreshadowing His Passion. The Gospels describe how He rode on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9:

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem! Lo, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (Zechariah 9:9)

The people welcomed Jesus with palm branches and cries of “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Mark 11:9). Yet, in just a few days, those same voices would call for His crucifixion. This contrast makes Palm Sunday a bridge between the triumphant recognition of Christ as King and the suffering He would endure for the salvation of humanity.

Church Colors for Palm Sunday

The colors worn on Palm Sunday are rich in symbolism, representing Christ’s journey toward the cross. 

• Red: The most common color associated with Palm Sunday, symbolizing Christ’s suffering and sacrifice. In most Catholic and Protestant churches, priests and deacons wear red vestments, including stoles and chasubles, to signify Christ’s Passion. Red is also worn by some altar servers and liturgical ministers who assist in the service. In some congregations, lay ministers and choirs may wear red, but this practice varies. Many worshippers wear red as a personal way to acknowledge Christ’s sacrifice and the solemnity of Holy Week.
• Purple: While red is widely used on Palm Sunday, some churches, particularly those with a strong penitential focus, continue using purple to maintain the theme of Lent. Purple represents humility, repentance, and solemn preparation. In these congregations, priests and deacons may wear purple vestments, just as they have throughout Lent. However, it is less common for choir members, altar servers, and lay ministers to wear purple on Palm Sunday, as red is more typically associated with the day’s theme. Some parishioners choose to wear purple as a sign of personal devotion in the final days before Easter.
• White and Gold: White and gold represent joy and triumph, colors typically reserved for Easter Sunday when the Church celebrates Christ’s victory over death. These colors rarely appear in Palm Sunday attire but may be seen in decorations, subtly pointing toward the hope of the Resurrection.

What to Wear on Palm Sunday

Families attending Palm Sunday services often choose outfits that feel both respectful and appropriate for the occasion. While there’s no strict dress code, many people wear red or purple to reflect the liturgical colors of Holy Week, while others prefer neutral or darker tones to honor the solemnity of the day.

For women, modest and elegant clothing is common, such as a dress, skirt, or dress pants paired with a blouse or sweater. Red and purple are popular choices, but many opt for soft, neutral shades to keep their look understated and reverent. In some traditions, women may wear a shawl or head covering as a sign of humility and devotion.

Men often wear dress pants or slacks with a button-up shirt or polo. A blazer or suit in a neutral or dark color adds a more formal touch, particularly in traditional congregations. Some Catholic and Orthodox churches encourage men to wear a jacket and tie, though this is not required in all communities.

For children, comfort and practicality matter just as much as appearance. Girls often wear simple, modest dresses, while boys may wear dress pants with a collared shirt. Since some churches hold Palm Sunday processions, making sure children are dressed neatly in well-fitted clothes helps them feel part of the experience.

There’s no need to buy new outfits, but choosing clothing that honors the significance of the day can help create a sense of reverence. In the end, Palm Sunday is about worship, not fashion, and the focus should always be on the meaning of the occasion rather than what people are wearing

Preparing for Palm Sunday with St. Patrick’s Guild

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of the most sacred and meaningful week in Christianity. It is a time for prayer, contemplation, and preparation for the events leading to Easter. Dressing in a way that honors the occasion is one way to participate, but many also choose to incorporate meaningful religious items into their observance.

At St. Patrick’s Guild, we are committed to helping individuals, families, and churches fully embrace Palm Sunday. We offer palm branches for services and personal devotion, Christian books, and religious gifts—such as crosses—to serve as lasting reminders of Christ’s sacrifice. Our collection of church supplies, including vestments and altar linens, ensures that parishes are well-prepared for Holy Week services.

As you prepare for Palm Sunday, we invite you to explore our offerings and find ways to make this sacred day even more meaningful.