Linfield athletic teams sport one of the most unique color schemes in all of college athletics. The college adopted the current colors of Cardinal (Red) and Purple in 1917.
Purple, a symbol of wealth and power during the Middle Ages, was worn by Roman emperors and by Roman Catholic popes. Wealthy popes used gems and purple stones in papal architecture. Pope Paul II (1464-71), who enjoyed a luxurious lifestyle, introduced the use of scarlet, calling it "Cardinal's Purple," because it was worn by his cardinals. Cardinal red, similar in hue to burgandy, also became a luxury dye during the Middle Ages.
Source: Linfield Athletics/Traditions
http://www.linfield.edu/sports/traditions/purple-and-cardinal.html
