Catholic Red Plate Traditions

The Catholic red plate tradition involves setting a red plate at the dinner table to honor a certain individual. Often this person is someone having a hard time or someone who has recently accomplished something of note. The red plate also can be a symbolic placing for Christ.

Variations

Some plates are solid red. Others come with a phrase, such as "You are Special," printed around the rim. Others only have red bars or red tapes across them to indicate their status. Sometimes red mugs are used in lieu of plates.

Special Occasions

Red plates are used to honor a person on her birthday, often by surprise, by setting a distinctive place for her at the dinner table. Other common communal family celebrations using the red plate tradition include weddings and anniversaries.

As a Congratualtions

The red plate may also be used to celebrate a person in special ways, such as for a promotion at work, success in a personal endeavor or simply for performing some gesture of grace or kindness that deserves recognition.

References

• "Building Catholic Family Traditions"; Thomas Paul Thigpen, Leisa Thigpen and Paul Thigpen; 1999