Why is Gaudete Sunday marked with rose-colored vestments and candles?

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Church year A church altar decorated with saint icons for All Saints' Day.

Gaudete Sunday, which falls on the third Sunday of Advent, is marked by rose-colored vestments and candles to signify a shift in the liturgical season. While the traditional color for Advent is violet—reflecting a period of preparation and penance—the use of rose on this specific day serves to highlight the theme of joy as the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ draws nearer.1

The name "Gaudete" is derived from the Latin word for "rejoice." In the context of the church year, this Sunday provides a brief reprieve from the somber tone of the season, allowing the faithful to express anticipation and gladness. On the Advent wreath, the rose-colored candle is typically lit alongside the violet candles to visually represent this transition toward the joy of Christmas.1