Step into any older Catholic church and one of the first things you’ll notice is the abundant use of the color gold. From the altar to the tabernacle to the artwork on the walls, gold is often everywhere.
But why is this color so prominent in our sacred spaces? And why has it held such a significant place in Catholic tradition over the centuries?
In this post, we’ll take a look at the history, symbolism, and devotional significance of gold in the Church, and how we can connect with this tradition in our own daily prayer.
Gold in the Bible
The word “gold” appears over 400 times in the Bible with different but related meanings throughout. In the Old Testament, it’s typically used to glorify God, most notably in the construction of the Ark of the Covenant and in the Tabernacle where it symbolizes God’s divinity and purity.
In the New Testament, on the other hand, gold imagery frequently points to the glory of Christ’s heavenly kingdom and His divine kingship, appearing in Matthew 2:11 as one of the gifts of the Magi and throughout Revelation.
Gold in the Liturgy
As early as the 5th century, gold-colored thread was used in priestly vestments for major feasts. Over time, this visual symbolism expanded and today priests often wear ornate gold vestments for the Church’s most important solemnities, like Easter and Christmas.
Gold became a prominent feature in church interiors and architecture over the centuries too. From gilded altars to decorative accents, its use signaled the sacred and helped to elevate worship. This tradition reached its peak during the Baroque period in the 17th and 18th centuries when opulent visual displays were designed to draw the faithful’s attention to the divine.
Gold in Sacred Art
The color gold has long been used in art to depict holiness, whether in Jesus, Mary, or the saints. From early Byzantine icons like the Virgin of Vladimir to modern devotional works like Dalí’s Madonna of Port Lligat, Mary is frequently shown in or surrounded by gold, symbolizing her role as Queen of Heaven.
In general, when we pray with sacred artwork, gold serves as a visual reminder of the divine presence. In Mary’s case, it invites us to remember why we turn to her in prayer—to seek her intercession as we draw closer to her Son.
Finding Golden Moments in Daily Prayer
Outside of our churches and sacred art, we can still use the color gold in our homes and prayer spaces to remind us of God’s holiness.
We created the Our Lady, Arrayed in Gold Rosary—one of our first rosaries plated in 24K gold—to help you easily bring the beauty and meaning of this tradition into your daily prayer.
