What Is a Violet Chalice Pall?
A violet chalice pall is a stiffened square of fabric placed on top of the chalice during Mass, matching the violet vestments of Advent and Lent. It serves the same protective purpose as every chalice pall — keeping dust and insects away from the Precious Blood — and belongs to the family of chalice linens together with the corporal and the purificator.
What Does Violet Mean in the Liturgy?
Violet is the color of penance, preparation and expectation. The Church wears it through Advent, as she prepares for Christmas, and through Lent, as she prepares for Easter. The same color may also be worn at Masses for the Dead — it is the penitential and hopeful tone of prayer for the faithful departed. A violet chalice pall brings this quiet, expectant character to the altar.
When Is a Violet Chalice Pall Used?
A violet pall is used whenever Mass is celebrated in violet vestments: all of Advent and Lent, Reconciliation services, and Masses for the Dead where violet is chosen — the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (no. 346) directs that violet is used in Advent and Lent and may also be worn in Offices and Masses for the Dead. In the United States, white or black may also be used at funerals, but violet remains the most common choice.
Our Violet Chalice Palls
The violet collection counts 13 embroidered designs in 18 × 18 cm and 20 × 20 cm, priced from $16 to $20. The IHS monogram appears in several versions, including one with the boat of Peter; the crosses range from a jacquard-woven model to a cross finished with gold trim. Other designs carry the chalice with grapes, the Fish, the head of Christ with a crown, the P with candles, and the Sacred Heart with the Crown of Thorns. Several pieces are listed in the shop as "purple" — violet and purple name the same liturgical color here. See the full chalice pall collection for every color.
Violet Palls and the Chalice Linens
Together with the violet pall, the sacristy dresses the chalice with the purificator, the corporal and the chalice veil — all available as one coordinated chalice linen set. For the rest of the year, pair this violet pall with our red, green and white palls.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Is Violet Used at Mass?
Violet is used throughout Advent and Lent. It may also be worn at Masses for the Dead and at Reconciliation services.
Can a Violet Chalice Pall Be Used at a Funeral?
Yes. Violet is one of the colors permitted for funerals and Masses for the Dead; in the United States, white or black may also be chosen instead.
Is Violet the Same as Purple?
In the liturgy the proper term is violet. Several of our violet palls are listed in the shop under the name "purple" — it is the same deep blue-purple color of Advent and Lent.
Related reading: What Is a Chalice Pall? Meaning, Sizes, and Use at Mass.
