Symbolism of Colours

whether displayed in dresses, the background of pictures, or otherwise:

Black

typifies grief, death.

Blue,

hope, love of divine works; (in dresses) divine contemplation, piety, sincerity. Pale blue, peace, Christian prudence, love of good works, a serene conscience.

Gold,

glory and power.

Green,

faith, gladness, immortality, the resurrection of the just; (in dresses) the gladness of the faithful. Pale green, baptism.

Grey,

tribulation. Purple, justice, royalty. Red, martyrdom for faith, charity; (in dresses) divine love. Rose-colour, martyrdom. Innocent III. says of martyrs and apostles, “Hi et illi sunt flores rosarum et lilia convallium. ” (De Sacr, alto Myst., i. 64.)

Saffron,

confessors. Scarlet, the fervour and glory of witnesses to the Church. Silver, chastity and purity.

Violet,

penitence. White, purity, temperance, innocence, chastity, faith; (in dresses) innocence and purity.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894

Symbolism of Metals and Gems

Symbols of Saints