This coming Sunday is Gaudete Sunday, which around University Lutheran is known as “Pink Candle Sunday.” So far I have succeeded in my liturgical reform concerning this Sunday by getting at least 50% of our worshipers to show up for this Sunday wearing pink (or something gaudy). I’m hoping for 75% this year.
The notion comes from the meaning of this Sunday in the Advent wreath. Historically, the 3rd Sunday and 3rd week of Advent was a time to relax a little and have a little fun. Maybe it was two eggnogs that week or an extra joyful Christmas carol. This pink candle was the signal to be light and jovial and to rejoice in the relief that comes from Jesus’ assurances for us.
In terms of the way that colors are interpreted psychologically, pink is a non-aggressive color. Pinks tend to elicit feelings of calm and softness and kindness. Pinks even give way to feelings of eros and romance, assuring us that we are loved. Pink candle Sunday is a time to remember that God loves us and wants to be gentle and kind to us.
In the 1970’s and 80’s though, the color pink was adopted by punk greats like the Sex Pistols, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and the Clash. They chose pink as a protest color, a way to differentiate themselves from the overwhelming dark colors of the scene during their day.
For us, we can likewise wear pink in protest. Protest the darkness, the loneliness, and the stuck-up-ness of our common era. Wear pink. Rejoice in pink. Make pink your sign to yourself and to others who see you this Sunday that Christ is coming and that He comes with assurance of gentleness and love to be shown to us.