Pulpit Scarfs

Much of this depends on your church's liturgical tradition and calendar. Purple is commonly used during Advent and Lent, white during Christmas and Easter, red for Pentecost and certain special observances, and green during Ordinary Time (the days of the liturgical year that do not belong to another liturgical season). Blue is also an important liturgical color for some denominations and congregations, particularly during Advent. Specific colors for pulpit scarfs and other paraments are also used to celebrate patron saints, Feast days, nationalities and established traditions of a church’s denomination.

Reversible pulpit scarfs provide two liturgical colors in a single parament, making it easy and economical to change the appearance of your altar or chancel area as the liturgical calendar changes. Popular combinations such as purple/green and white/red provide coverage for the major liturgical seasons, while reducing the number of separate scarfs your church needs to purchase and store.

While sizes may vary, 36” is a popular length for a pulpit scarf, with the width generally around 18.” The top surface of your pulpit or lectern should have enough room for the scarf to lay flat, while allowing the decorative portion to display 18” – 24” down the front. Measuring before ordering is especially important for narrow lecterns or unusually shaped pulpits.

Church paraments, including pulpit scarfs, will usually be tailored with finely-embroidered symbols and designs, accented with gold fringe. Accordingly, dry cleaning is strongly recommended to preserve the fabric’s integrity and appearance. When storing your pulpit scarf or other parament, clean them first to remove dirt and oils, then store in breathable cotton or muslin garment bags (not plastic) in a cool, dry space with stable humidity. Large frontals and superfrontals should be stored flat or carefully-rolled around cardboard tubes to prevent permanent creasing.