[tjwmason]

Why do a number of churches use blue during advent claiming it is an official liturgical color for advent?

In mediaeval England blue was frequently used during Advent, I say frequently because this pre-dated the formalisation of liturgical colours. Arising from this, some Anglicans have decided (in my opinion erroneously) that blue is the Advent colour according to the Sarum Use (which they claim to be following - anybody familiar with Sarum would find this most surprising when observing these services). I haven't heard of any Catholics borrowing this custom, but would not be surprised; especially when there is an attempt to down-play the pennitence of Advent.

Violet is the official colour for Advent, with rose permitted on the third Sunday. It's as simple as that.

[Claud]

Arising from this, some Anglicans have decided (in my opinion erroneously) that blue is the Advent colour according to the Sarum Use

Interesting, thanks for the history. Liturgists IMHO seem not to be interested in preserving old Rites/Uses intact, but rather using them as justification for their own experimentalism.

Is anyone out there using the Sarum Use still?