The Advent Wreath

During the holiday season, the Advent Wreath is used in religious customs to count down the days leading up to Christmas. It is a beautiful arrangement of lit candles and evergreen sprigs and can come in many styles. History of the Advent Wreath The origin of the Advent wreath dates back to the early Germanic people who would light candles within wreaths during dark and cold winter months as a sign of hope for the return sunny days of spring. Later, it is said that a headmaster of an orphanage in Hamburg Germany crafted the first Advent candle. It was a circle of candles and used as a symbolic countdown during the days leading up to Christmas. Since that time, the Advent wreath has become customary in religious practices throughout the world and has a variety of symbolic meanings.

What Is an Advent Wreath?
Typically an Advent wreath is a circle of evergreen with four candles. The wreath itself can come in many designs and be adorned with a variety of beautiful accents. Customarily, three of the candles are violet and one rose colored.

Symbolism of the Advent Wreath
The Advent wreath has many symbolic references. The circle of evergreen signifies continuous life with other types of greenery such as ivy, and holly adding symbols of strength and healing.

In the Christian religions the wreath itself also is symbolic of the crown of thorns worn by Jesus, with red holy berries honoring the lost blood of Christ. Pinecones or nuts used can symbolize life and resurrection. The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent. The violet candles symbolize royalty or the coming of the King, prayer, and penance. The rose candle honors the vestments worn by priests on the third Sunday. Light of the candles signifies Christ. Individual candles can symbolize hope, love, joy, peace, and Christmas.

Using an Advent Wreath
Typically, the Advent Wreath is lit before dinner and after the blessing of the food. On the first week of Advent one candle is lit, prayers offered then it is snuffed. On the second Sunday of Advent, two candles are lit and the ritual repeated all four weeks. This leaves provides a tier affect to the candles leading up to Christmas. There are various prayers that are traditionally spoken during each lighting ceremony.