First Communion Symbols

Jesus said: "I am the living bread that came down from heaven; if any one eats of this bread, he will live for ever;...he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and...abides in me, and I in him"
~Jn 6:51, 54, 56
First Communion has been an important part of being a Catholic. Let us understand the symbols that we often see during this much celebrated rite of passage.

White clothing- White is the color of purity and innocence; hence it is also the color of Baptismal garments as it is the color of first communion dresses . It reflects the purification in preparation for receiving the sacrament.

Bread and Wine- This two are the food that Jesus described Himself with because bread is the basic food that sustains and nourishes all nations. When Jesus broke the bread and gave them to His disciples during the Last Supper, He said: "This is my body which will be given up for you." By faith and by following Jesus' command, we eat the Bread, His Body, and become one with Him.
As for the Wine, Jesus referred to it: "The cup of the new and everlasting covenant." During the ancient times, wine was associated with celebrations, joys, and a gift from God to grace our hearts. The wine came from grapes which are the fruit of the earth that gave itself up so people's hearts will be graced. The wine which Jesus used as a sign for His Blood, speaks to us of giving and of sacrifice in order that we might enjoy the benefits of Jesus' love in the banquet which is just a glimpse of heavenly joy.

Wheat and Grape- Wheat is where the "Bread of Life" was made of and grape is the fruit of the earth from where the "Cup of Life" was made of.

White Veil- It is no accident that the first communion dress is paired with a white veil like that of a bride's because during first communion, the child is bonded with Christ and vows to be one with Him.