he dressed in white as a symbol for purity, and over that was placed a red robe to show his readiness to be wounded, over which a black robe was placed as a symbol of his willingness to die for his king. Modern mourning, remembrance and protest In some countries, including the United States, vigils are held in public spaces as a form of peaceful protest or public mourning. Examples include the numerous public vigils during the protests against police violence as well as public vigils for victims of mass shootings, which can occur as a remembrance or commemoration of a death or traumatic event. These vigils typically begin with an announcement or speech, and can be silent or include chanting, song, or prayer. Public vigils in the United States are not necessarily religious in scope or tone and are often completely secular, but can be religious depending on the group or individuals organizing the vigil. See also All-night vigil Candlelight vigil Christian burial Pannikhida Vigil (liturgy) Wake References Catholic liturgy Mass (liturgy) Christian prayer Christian terminology