Blue, the Color of Mary's Cloak

This is from my book, Shades of Glory. In this Advent devotional, different parts of the Nativity Story were discussed, using the themes of colors, such as yellow straw and white sheep.

Blue, the Color of Mary’s Cloak

          In the majority of the sculptures and paintings of Mary, she is shown wearing blue. Early artists showed her in blue covered by a red hood. Blue symbolizes the earth and the sky while red often symbolizes Divinity.

          Later artists dropped the red, but kept her in blue. Blue is also the color for loyalty and faith. She was a faithful woman or would not have been chosen to be the Mother of Jesus Christ.

          In the Torah, the scriptures of the Israelites, they were instructed to put blue on the edge of their garments to remind them of the sky and heaven. They also used blue to cover holy items, so it was a special color. Whatever the reason, blue is the color associated with Mary.

          Some churches now use blue Advent candles rather than purple.  They claim this is to distinguish it from Lent that also uses purple. Just as Advent is the time before Christmas, Lent is the time before Easter, both a time of reflection. .

Mary did you know?

That your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary did you know? That your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?

This child that you've delivered will soon deliver you.