Purple, since ancient times, has been the color associated with royalty because only the very wealthy and influential could afford purple cloth.  The process of making the dye was difficult, long, and costly.   Purple cloth was worn by kings, nobles, priests, and magistrates throughout the Mediterranean, by Japanese aristocracy and emperors, by university professors and divinity students during the Middle Ages, and by European monarchs into the 20th century.

But purple found in nature comes in many shades and is free. “Consider the lilies (and other flowers and berries) how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.”  Luke 12:27

Purple chaste tree

Crocuses

Spiderwort

Bee balm

Mahonia

Linked to The Daily Post: Purple