Funerals and remembrance.
At a funeral the minister stands with the grieving and speaks of the resurrection. The colours of the day carry both: mourning, and hope.
The days ahead
- All Saints' DaySunday 1 November 2026 White: the white stole
- All Souls' DayMonday 2 November 2026 Violet or black; white is also worn
- All Saints' DayMonday 1 November 2027 White: the white stole
- All Souls' DayTuesday 2 November 2027 Violet or black; white is also worn
- The next dates appear here as the calendar turns.
What each tradition wears
- Roman Catholic
- Violet. In the dioceses of the United States, white or black may also be used at funeral services (GIRM 346).
- Episcopal
- White for funerals. Black for All Souls' Day and funerals, where violet or white are not used.
Choosing
The black stole carries a gold cross, a white dove and an olive branch: Noah's dove, which came back with an olive leaf when the waters went down (Genesis 8:11). The white stole speaks of the resurrection. Each colour also comes as a simple cross stole.
Sources: The Roman Missal, General Instruction ch. VI, ยงยง346 to 347 (USCCB); Episcopal Diocese of Ohio, Liturgical Colors & Seasons; Scottish Episcopal Church calendar.
