Sarah Mitchell
The Advent wreath is a symbol shared and appreciated by most Christian denominations, including Catholics. The wreath, made with evergreens, represents eternity and the everlasting life found in Christ. The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent, with one candle lit on each Sunday in anticipation of Christmas. While there is no prescribed order for lighting the candles, the rose-coloured candle is lit on the third Sunday, and the other three are usually violet. Families may leave the Advent candles burning during dinner or a devotional time each evening before extinguishing them before bedtime.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of candles | 4 or 5 |
| Candle colours | Purple, pink, violet, white |
| Candle lighting frequency | Every night, adding one each week |
| Candle lighting order | No prescribed order, except that the rose/pink candle is lit on the third Sunday |
| Candle lighting time | During dinner, devotional time, or any special moment |
| Candle burning duration | Until the end of a devotional activity, dinner, or before going to bed |
| Candle burning days | Four Sundays before Christmas Day |
| Wreath blessing | On the first Sunday of Advent |
| Wreath placement | Table, windowsill, or anywhere in a prominent area of the house |
| Wreath shape | Circle or line |
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What You'll Learn
Advent candles are lit every night, adding one each week
The Advent wreath is a symbol that is shared and appreciated by most Christian denominations. The evergreen branches of a traditional wreath represent the continuous life of Christ, while the circular form of the wreath symbolises the eternity of God and the everlasting soul. The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent, and they are lit every night, adding one each week.
The first Sunday in Advent is always the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day, usually falling between November 27 and December 3. On the first Sunday in Advent, the first purple candle is lit to celebrate hope. This is also called the "Prophet's Candle", and it represents the hope that comes with the arrival of Jesus.
On the second Sunday, the first purple candle remains lit, and a second purple candle is lit to symbolise faith. This is also called the "Bethlehem Candle", and it represents Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem.
On the third Sunday in Advent, the pink candle is lit to represent joy. This is also called the "Shepherd's Candle", reminding us of the joy the world experienced when Jesus was born. The rose-coloured candle is lit on the third Sunday, which is also known as Gaudete Sunday.
On the fourth Sunday, the final purple candle is lit as a celebration of peace. This is called the "Angel's Candle", reminding us of the angels' message: "Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men!".
The Advent wreath is lit in sequence, with the lighting of each new candle bringing Christmas closer. The candles can be lit during special moments, such as dinner or prayer, and extinguished when the moment has passed. Some families may leave the candles burning throughout dinner or during a special devotional time each evening.
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The Advent wreath is blessed on the first Sunday
The Advent wreath is a traditional practice that has found its place in the Church as well as in the home. The blessing of the Advent wreath takes place on the first Sunday of Advent or on the evening before. The blessing may be celebrated during Mass, a celebration of the word of God, or Evening Prayer. The Advent wreath is constructed of a circle of evergreen branches with four candles inserted. Three of the candles are violet or purple, and the fourth is rose, although four violet or white candles may be used. The candles represent the four weeks of Advent, and the number of candles lit each week corresponds to the week of Advent. The rose candle is lit on the third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday.
The blessing of the Advent wreath on the first Sunday of Advent is included among those that may be used at Mass and has received the approval of the Holy See. When the Advent wreath is used in church, the candles are lit either before Mass begins or immediately before the opening prayer, and no additional rites or prayers are used. The lighting of the candles may be preceded or followed by an Advent hymn and a Scripture reading.
When the blessing of the Advent wreath is celebrated in the home, it is appropriate for it to be blessed by a parent or another family member. The shorter rite may be used for this purpose. When used in the home, the opening prayer of the Sunday Mass is recited when the candles are lit, and the lighting of the wreath may be included as part of the evening meal. The Advent wreath may be blessed by a priest, deacon, or lay minister.
The first candle on the Advent wreath is purple, the primary colour of Advent and a colour symbolizing royalty. Sometimes called the "Prophecy Candle", the first candle harkens us back to Isaiah's foretelling of the birth of Christ and all of the promises God gave in the Old Testament that would be fulfilled by the birth of Jesus. The second candle on the Advent wreath, also purple, represents peace and is often called the "Bethlehem Candle". It reminds us of Mary and Joseph's journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem before Mary gave birth to Jesus.
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The colours of the candles have symbolic meanings
The colours of the Advent candles hold symbolic meanings that are integral to centring Christians' hearts and minds on the true meaning of the holiday. The three principal colours of Advent are purple, pink, and white.
Purple is the main colour of Advent and is used for the first, second, and fourth candles. It symbolises hope, faith, and peace. The first purple candle, also known as the Prophecy candle or the candle of hope, is lit during the first week of Advent. The second purple candle, or the Bethlehem candle, represents preparation and faith. The fourth Advent candle, also called the Angel candle or the candle of love, is purple.
Pink is used for the third candle, which is lit on the third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday in the Catholic Church. This candle symbolises joy and rejoicing, reflecting the joy the shepherds felt at the birth of Jesus.
White is the colour of the central Christ candle, which is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. It represents Christ, the light of the world.
It is worth noting that while purple, pink, and white are the three traditional Advent colours, some churches have started using blue candles instead of purple. Blue is used to distinguish Advent from Lent, during which Christians wear purple. Blue can also signify the colour of the night sky or the waters of the new creation in Genesis 1.
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There is no prescribed order for lighting the candles
The Advent wreath is a symbol that is shared and appreciated by most Christian denominations. The wreath is usually made up of four candles—three purple and one pink—positioned in the shape of a circle. The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent, and the progressive lighting of the candles expresses the expectation and hope surrounding the coming of the Messiah.
While there is a specific candle that is lit during each week of Advent, there does not appear to be any prescribed order for lighting the candles, either officially or traditionally. The only exception is the rose-coloured or pink candle, which is lit on the third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday. This candle represents joy and the anticipated arrival of Christmas.
The first candle, which is purple, is lit on the first Sunday of Advent and every day that week. This candle represents hope and is also called the "Prophet's Candle". The second purple candle is lit on the second Sunday of Advent and symbolises faith. It is sometimes referred to as the "Bethlehem Candle". On the third Sunday of Advent, the pink candle is lit, reminding us of the joy the world experienced when Jesus was born. Finally, on the fourth Sunday, the last purple candle is lit to celebrate peace. This candle is known as the "Angel's Candle".
Some families may have their own traditions or preferences for the order in which they light the candles, but there is no official requirement to follow a specific sequence. The important aspect is the act of lighting the candles itself, which serves as a devotional practice to keep Christ in the hearts and minds of Christians during the Advent season.
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The Advent wreath is a family tradition
The Advent wreath is a beautiful tradition that many Christian families share. The circular wreath, usually made of evergreens, symbolises eternity and the everlasting life brought to us by Christ. The four candles represent the four Sundays of Advent, and the progressive lighting of the candles expresses the hope and expectation of the coming of the Messiah.
The Advent wreath is a wonderful way to bring the family together and to slow down during the busy festive season. Each Sunday, a new candle is lit, with the lighting of each candle carrying a special meaning. The first purple candle symbolises hope, the second purple candle faith, the third pink candle joy, and the fourth purple candle peace. Families may choose to light the wreath each night, with each family member taking turns to light a candle. The wreath may be lit during dinnertime, or during a special devotional time each evening, and accompanied by prayers, hymns, or scripture.
The Advent wreath is a great way to teach young children about the birth of Jesus and the true meaning of Christmas. Families can take this opportunity to explain the significance of each candle and the importance of the season. The wreath can be placed on a table or windowsill, and decorated with greenery or other festive decorations.
While there is no prescribed order for lighting the candles, the rose-coloured candle is traditionally lit on the third Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete Sunday, which marks the halfway point to Christmas. The other three candles are usually violet, though white or red candles may also be used. A fifth white candle, representing Christ, may be placed in the centre of the wreath and lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
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Frequently asked questions
The circle of the wreath, with no beginning or end, represents eternity and the everlasting life found in Christ. The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent, with each candle lit progressively to express the expectation and hope surrounding the coming of the Messiah.
The candles are usually three purple and one pink, often positioned in a circle. The purple candles represent penance, fasting, and prayer, while the pink candle symbolises joy as we get closer to Christmas.
There is no prescribed order, except that the pink candle is lit on the third Sunday of Advent. The other candles can be lit in any order, but it is traditional to maintain the same order each week.
The candles are lit every night, adding one each week. Some families light the candles during dinner or during a special devotional time each evening.
The Father or head of the household can pray, "Our help is in the name of the Lord", with the family responding, "Who made heaven and Earth". The verses Isaiah 9:1-2, 5-6 and Isaiah 40:1–11 can also be read.
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