Michael Brooks
The Catholic tradition of the Advent wreath is a beloved custom in many Christian homes and communities. The Advent wreath is a circle of evergreens with four candles, sometimes with a fifth white 'Christ candle' in the centre, symbolising the arrival of Christmastide. The lighting of the candles is often accompanied by Bible readings, devotional time, and
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of candles | 4 or 5 |
| Candle colours | Purple, pink/rose, White, Gold, Violet, Blue, Red |
| Who lights the candles | Youngest child (week 1), oldest child (week 2), mother (week 3), father (week 4) |
| When to light the candles | One candle lit each Sunday of Advent, with all four candles lit in the fourth week |
| When to extinguish the candles | After dinner and/or Advent devotions |
| Other rituals | Sign of the Cross, Advent Wreath Prayer for the Week |
| Materials | Evergreens, ribbons, candleholders, candles, decorations |
| Symbolism | Circle: eternity and never-endingness of God; Evergreen: eternal life and God's unchangeability |
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What You'll Learn
The wreath: its shape and materials
The Advent wreath is a Christian tradition that is centuries old. It is a circular wreath, or crown, made of evergreens, symbolising eternal life with Christ. The circular shape also represents God's complete and unending love, as well as eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. The evergreen wreath is decorated with four candles, with an optional fifth, white candle in the centre, known as the 'Christ candle'. The Christ candle is first lit on Christmas Eve, or Christmas Day, and may continue to be lit throughout the Christmas season. The four surrounding candles are usually purple or violet, with one pink or rose candle. These colours correspond with the liturgical vestments for the Sundays of Advent.
The wreath is placed on a table or suspended from the ceiling, usually with purple ribbons. The four candles are placed at equal distances around the wreath, and are lit one at a time, on each of the four Sundays of the Advent season. The lighting of the candles can be accompanied by Bible readings, devotional time, and prayers.
The wreath can be decorated with other natural materials, such as pointy holly leaves and berries, which represent the crown of thorns from the Passion of Jesus. Pine cones are another popular decoration, symbolising Christ's Resurrection.
The Advent wreath is a popular tradition, with many families choosing to create their own wreaths, or add personal touches to a store-bought wreath.
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The candles: their number, colour and meaning
The Advent wreath is a Catholic tradition that is observed during the four Sundays of Advent, which is the season of the church year right before Christmas. The wreath is a circle of evergreens, a symbol of eternity and the never-endingness of God, with four candles standing upright at equal distances, representing the four weeks of Advent.
Three of the candles are purple, reminding us of the penitential nature of the season. The first purple candle is lit on the first Sunday in Advent and every day that week. The second week, two purple candles are lit. The third week, two purple candles and one rose or pink candle are lit. The pink candle is lit for the Third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete (rejoice) Sunday, reminding us that the end of Advent is almost there and we can hardly contain our joy.
On the fourth Sunday, the final purple candle is lit, called the "Angel's Candle", reminding us of the message the angels sang: "Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men!". On Christmas Day, all four candles are lit, plus a fifth white candle in the centre, called the "Christ candle", to symbolise the arrival of Christmastide and purity.
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When to light the candles
The Advent wreath is a Catholic tradition that has been practised in Christian homes and communities during the Advent season. The wreath is usually made of evergreen and is a symbol of eternity and the never-endingness of God. The evergreen, on the other hand, symbolises eternal life and the unchanging nature of God.
The Advent wreath has four candles, three purple and one pink, which are lit on the four Sundays of Advent, with an additional candle lit each week. The lighting of the candles can be accompanied by Bible readings, devotional time, and prayers. The first candle is lit on the first Sunday of Advent, with each subsequent Sunday seeing an additional candle lit until all four candles are lit on the last Sunday before Christmas. The candles can also be lit during the week, but only when an adult is present.
On the first Sunday of Advent, one purple candle is lit. On the second Sunday, two purple candles are lit. The third Sunday, also known as Gaudete Sunday, sees the lighting of the pink candle and two purple candles. Finally, on the fourth Sunday, all four candles are lit, including the final purple candle, which is also called the "Angel's Candle". This candle symbolises the message of peace delivered by the angels: "Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men!".
On Christmas Day, a white "Christ candle" is placed in the centre of the wreath and lit to symbolise the arrival of Christmastide and the purity of Christ. Some families continue lighting the Advent wreath candles every night during the 12 days of Christmas.
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Who should light the candles
The Catholic tradition of the Advent wreath is a beloved tradition for many families. The Advent wreath is a symbol of eternity and the never-endingness of God, with the evergreen representing eternal life. The lighting of the candles is a special ritual that can be performed by different family members each week.
In the first week of Advent, the youngest child can light one purple candle. This is a fun and educational moment for the child, as they learn the meaning behind the wreath and the importance of each candle. The second week of Advent is the oldest child's turn to shine, as they light two purple candles. This continues the countdown to Christmas, with the light growing bigger each week.
The honour of lighting the candles in the third week goes to the mother. This week, two purple candles and one rose or pink candle are lit, reminding us that the end of Advent is near and we can rejoice in the coming of baby Jesus. Finally, in the fourth week, the father lights all four candles, including the final purple candle, also known as the "Angel's Candle". This candle symbolises the message of "Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men", bringing peace to the family as they gather around the wreath.
In families with many children, it can be challenging for each child to have a turn. A solution is to let them take turns lighting the candles during the week, always under adult supervision. This way, everyone gets a chance to participate and explain the significance of the wreath to curious guests.
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Blessings and prayers
The Advent wreath is a great way to bring families together and focus on prayers and holiday celebrations. The blessing of the Advent wreath takes place on the Saturday before the first Sunday of Advent or on the evening before the first Sunday. The wreath is usually made of laurel, spruce, or evergreen branches with four candles, three purple and one rose-coloured, although four violet or white candles may also be used. The blessing is usually given by the head of the household or a parent, and the candles are lit by different family members.
First Week
The following prayer is said during the first week of Advent, and the family's youngest child lights the first purple candle.
> Leader: O Lord, stir up Thy might, we beg Thee, and come, That by Thy protection we may deserve to be rescued from the threatening dangers of our sins and be saved by Thy deliverance. Through Christ our Lord. All: Amen.
Second Week
The following prayer is said during the second week, and the oldest child lights the first and second purple candles.
> Leader: O Lord, stir up our hearts that we may prepare for Thy only begotten Son, that through His coming we may be made worthy to serve Thee with pure minds. All: Amen.
Third Week
The mother of the family lights the rose-coloured candle and the two purple candles from the previous weeks.
> Leader: O Lord, we beg Thee, incline Thy ear to our prayers and enlighten the darkness of our minds by the grace of Thy visitation. Through Christ our Lord. All: Amen.
Fourth Week
The father lights all four candles, and the following prayer is said.
> Leader: O Lord, stir up Thy power, we pray Thee, and come; and with great might help us, that with the help of Thy Grace, Thy merciful forgiveness may hasten what our sins impede. Through Christ our Lord. All: Amen.
> Dear Jesus, as we light the candle(s) on this Advent wreath, may the light of your presence bring joy to our hearts. Bless our family and our friends, and be with all those who are in need this holiday season. Amen.
>
> Dear Jesus, you entered our world on Christmas as the Prince of Peace. This Advent, as we strive to become the-best-version-of-ourselves, fill us with a deep and abiding peace. Help us share that peace with everyone we encounter, especially those who need it most. Amen.
>
> Dear Jesus, help us focus on you during this busy season. May we stay aware of the joy you bring into our lives. We want to find you in the everyday moments and come with hearts of gratitude to your manger on Christmas.
>
> Dear Jesus, may the light of your love always shine in our hearts. As Christmas draws closer, we marvel at your great love for us. Let your love transform every aspect of our lives and touch everyone we encounter. Our hearts are open to you, Jesus. Amen.
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Frequently asked questions
The Advent wreath is a Catholic tradition that symbolises the liturgical season leading up to Christmas. The circle of the wreath represents eternity and the evergreen symbolises eternal life. The four candles on the wreath represent the four weeks of Advent.
Before lighting the wreath for the first time, it should be blessed. The wreath is lit before dinner and left burning throughout or before family prayer. The lighting of the wreath should begin and end with the Sign of the Cross. In the first week of Advent, the youngest child lights one purple candle. In the second week, the oldest child lights two purple candles. In the third week, the mother lights two purple candles and one rose candle. In the fourth week, the father lights all four candles.
The most popular colours for the four surrounding Advent candles are violet or purple and rose or pink. These colours correspond with the liturgical vestments for the Sundays of Advent. On Christmas Day, you can add a white Christ candle to the centre of the wreath.
