Advent Wreaths - A Beautiful Symbol of the Christmas Season

Advent Wreaths
A Beautiful Symbol of the Christmas Season

The true origin of the Advent wreath is not exactly known. Some believe that it was inspired by the crown bearing candles worn by Swedish girls on Saint Lucia's Day. While other believe that it comes from folk practices from Germany, where people during the cold dark December days would place wreaths of evergreen around lighted fires as a sign of the coming spring and renewed light. Whatever its origin, the Advent wreath is perhaps one of the loveliest symbols of the season.

By the 16th century Catholics and Protestants adapted this tradition and used the Advent wreath as a part of their spiritual preparation for Christmas. Traditionally, the wreath is made of four candles in a circle of evergreens with a fifth candle in the middle. Usually there are three purple or violet candles and one rose candle, with the fifth candle being white. Another tradition is to replace the purple and rose candles with all white candles.

The four candles represents the four weeks of Advent, with the fifth candle representing Christ being born. The most common practice of lighting the candles is at the evening meal after a shor prayer. Each week a candle is lit, starting with one candle the first week and adding another each week until December 24th. This is when the candle in the center is lit representing the birth of Christ. Some families have the youngest child light the first candle, the oldest child light the first and second candles, the mother light the first, second and third candles and the father during the fourth week lights all the candles. Each candle has a different meaning, the first purple candle represents hope, the second purple candle stands for love, the pink candle represents joy, the fourth purple candle is a symbol of peace, with the white candle representing the light of Christ.

The Advent wreath is a beautiful symbol of the Advent season. The wreath which usually sits on the dining room table is a wonderful reminder of the holy season. Moreover, this tradition helps us not lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas.

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