What Are Purple Chasubles?
A purple chasuble is the Mass vestment worn by a Catholic priest during Advent and Lent, and at funerals and penitential celebrations. In the liturgical books the colour is called violet; "purple" is the everyday name for the same colour. This collection gathers 30 purple chasubles — 21 listed as purple and 9 as violet — priced from $104 to $1,162, made in Poland; 29 of the listings include a matching stole.
Purple is the colour of preparation and penance. A parish needs it twice a year, for the four weeks of Advent and the six weeks of Lent, and it is also the usual colour for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and for funeral Masses in the current Roman rite.
When Is a Purple Chasuble Worn?
Violet is used on the days of preparation and penance:
- Advent — the four weeks preparing for Christmas, from the First Sunday of Advent to 24 December.
- Lent — from Ash Wednesday to the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday.
- The Sacrament of Reconciliation — confessions and penitential services.
- Funerals — violet is the usual funeral colour in the current Roman rite, though black and white are also permitted.
- Anointing of the Sick and other penitential celebrations.
On Gaudete Sunday (Third Sunday of Advent) and Laetare Sunday (Fourth Sunday of Lent) the optional colour is rose, a lightened violet — see our pink chasubles. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (no. 346) assigns violet to Advent, Lent and the celebrations of penance. For the calendar see our complete guide to liturgical colours.
Purple Chasuble Styles in This Collection
The 30 purple chasubles cover the main cuts: 6 are described as Gothic, with a broad yoke and a full drape; 5 are semi-Gothic, with a lighter, more tailored fall; the remaining 19 are classic full-cut designs whose listings do not name a cut. There is no Roman fiddleback in purple in this selection — for the fitted Latin Mass cut see our Roman chasubles.
For the cuts see Gothic chasubles, semi-Gothic chasubles and the comparison in Roman chasuble vs Gothic chasuble.
Fabrics and Embroidery
The listings name jacquard on 6 models, velvet trim on 5, damask on 1 and a polyester composition on 1; the rest are described as breathable, crease-resistant fabrics suitable for standard washing and ironing. 19 models carry a cross or crucifix motif and 4 the IHS monogram, worked in gold or silver thread on a decorated belt.
Purple is a deep ground that makes gold thread glow and silver thread look restrained. For Lent the quieter silver pieces suit the season; for Advent the gold-embroidered models read as more festive. See the anatomy of the garment in our guide to the parts of a chasuble.
Sizes and Fit
11 of the 30 listings give the measured pattern 127 cm (50 in) long and 158 cm (62.2 in) wide, and 3 give the older 130 × 160 cm pattern; the rest do not state dimensions, so check the individual product page. If the celebrant is unusually tall or short, contact us before ordering — sizes can often be adjusted because we work directly with the workshop. Our guide how to measure for a chasuble explains which measurements matter.
What Is Included
29 of the 30 purple chasubles include a matching stole, and 14 describe it specifically as an inner stole; the remaining listing does not mention a stole, so check the product page. These are chasuble-and-stole sets, not full Roman sets; for a maniple, burse or chalice veil see our Roman chasubles.
Purple Chasuble Prices
Prices run from $104 for a simple violet chasuble with a decorative cross belt to $1,162 for the heavily embroidered Jesus on the cross model. The distribution across the 30 models:
| Price range | Models |
|---|---|
| $104–$199 | 12 |
| $200–$299 | 11 |
| $300–$399 | 5 |
| $400 and up | 2 |
Most of the collection sits below $300, and the two heavily embroidered models above $1,000 are ceremonial pieces. For a wider view see how much does a chasuble cost.
Care and Storage
Store the chasuble on a wide padded hanger or rolled flat, away from direct sunlight and damp. Spot clean with a soft cloth, avoid bleach, and never iron directly over embroidery or gold thread. Purple is worn in two concentrated seasons, so inspect the centre band before each Advent and Lent. More in our guide how to care for embroidered vestments.
Made in Poland and Shipping
Our purple chasubles are made in Poland, in our workshop in Lublewo Gdańskie. In-stock pieces are dispatched within 72 hours and reach the United States by FedEx in about 2–5 business days; made-to-order items add 3–14 business days. Orders over $100 ship free within the United States. See Made in Poland, the shipping information and the returns policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is purple the same as violet?
Yes. In the liturgical books the colour is called violet; "purple" is the everyday name. This collection lists both, and the 30 models include 21 described as purple and 9 as violet.
When is a purple chasuble worn?
During Advent and Lent, at the Sacrament of Reconciliation, at funerals (violet is the usual funeral colour in the current Roman rite) and at penitential celebrations.
Why is purple used in Advent and Lent?
Because both seasons are times of preparation and penance. Violet expresses expectation, conversion and sober hope — the Church prepares for Christmas in Advent and for Easter in Lent.
Is purple worn at funerals?
Yes. Violet is the usual funeral colour in the current Roman rite, although black and white are also permitted. Local custom decides which is used.
What does purple symbolize?
Penance, preparation, sacrifice and sober hope. It is the colour of the two penitential seasons and of the sacraments of healing and reconciliation.
Is purple worn at weddings?
No. The Nuptial Mass normally uses white or gold. Violet is the colour of the day only if a wedding is celebrated on a Lenten or Advent weekday without a white feast.
What is the difference between purple and rose?
Rose is a lightened violet used only on Gaudete Sunday (Advent) and Laetare Sunday (Lent). Purple is the ordinary colour of both seasons; rose is the optional colour of those two joyful Sundays. See our pink chasubles.
What fabrics are purple chasubles made of?
The listings name jacquard (6 models), velvet trim (5), damask (1) and polyester (1); the rest are breathable, crease-resistant fabrics suitable for standard washing and ironing. Check the individual product page for the exact composition.
How much does a purple chasuble cost?
From $104 for a simple violet chasuble with a decorative cross belt to $1,162 for a heavily embroidered model. 12 cost under $200, 11 cost $200–$299, 5 cost $300–$399 and 2 cost $400 or more.
Is a stole included with purple chasubles?
29 of the 30 listings include a matching stole, 14 of them described as an inner stole. Check the individual product page for the remaining one.
Related Reading
- Complete Guide to Liturgical Colors: What to Wear and When
- How to Choose a Chasuble: Complete Guide for Priests and Sacristans
- The History of the Chasuble: From Ancient Rome to Modern Altars
- Parts of a Chasuble: Orphreys, Cross, Stole, Maniple and Burse Explained
- How Much Does a Chasuble Cost? Price Ranges Explained
- More from this family: all chasubles · Gothic · Roman · semi-Gothic
- Shop by colour: white · red · green · purple · black · pink · gold · ecru
