The Symbolism of First Communion Attire

The traditional color of First Communion attire (gowns and shirts) is white. For girls, First Communion is one of the three major events that call for a white gown. All three are sacraments in the Catholic Church: her baptismal day, her First Communion day, and, if she is called to marriage, her wedding day. So why do they all involve a white gown?

The baptismal gown that is given to boys and girls symbolizes purity, joy, and new life. The white color symbolizes that the newly baptized has put on Christ, and it also recalls John’s vision in the Book of Revelation: “they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (Revelation 7:13). The white also symbolizes one of the effects of Baptism, the washing away of all sins, including original sin. As God says through the Prophet Isaiah, ‘Though you sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow; though they be crimson red, they may become white as wool” (Isaiah 1:18). So the color of the gown reminds us of God’s incredible mercy and of the purity of the soul that result from Baptism.

First Communion gowns and shirts are white on purpose; they are meant to recall all the symbolism of the baptismal gown. First Communion is the second of three Sacraments of Initiation, and so the links with Baptism are very important. White wedding gowns also are intended to recall the symbolism of both Baptism and First Communion. It is often pointed out that white First Communion attire also reminds us of the whiteness of the Eucharistic host that the children will receive.

In Catholic Liturgy, white is a color of celebration and triumph worn during the Christmas and Easter Seasons as well as during other special feast days. So the white attire finally symbolizes the excitement and celebration that should rightfully accompany a child’s First Communion.

With all these elements in mind, you can see how deeply symbolic First Communion attire is. You are not just dressing up your child for a major life event; you are wrapping them up in deep symbolism to present them to their Creator for a union with Him and for further initiation into His Church. The gown and shirt are holy symbolic objects and should modestly reflect their lofty purpose.