Sarah Mitchell
The Advent wreath is a popular custom that originated in Germany in the 16th century. It is a way for Christians to reflect on the birth of Christ and its meaning to them. The evergreen branches of a traditional wreath represent the continuous life of Christ, and the circular form of the wreath symbolises the eternity of God and the everlasting soul. The Advent wreath consists of four candles, three purple and one pink, and many people add a fifth white candle, called the Christ candle, to the centre. Each week of Advent, another candle is lit, and the lighting of each new candle brings Christians closer to Christmas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of candles | 4 |
| Colors of the candles | Purple, Pink, White, Red |
| Symbolism of the wreath | Eternity and the everlasting life found in Christ |
| Symbolism of the candles | Hope, Faith, Joy, Peace |
| Time to light the candles | Every night during Advent, one candle the first week, then an additional candle each week |
| Time to extinguish the candles | After dinner and/or Advent devotions |
| Candle lighting ceremony | Blessing of the wreath, making the sign of the cross, saying prayers |
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What You'll Learn
The meaning of Advent candles
The Advent wreath and candles are steeped in symbolism. The circular wreath, made of evergreen branches, symbolises eternity, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life offered by Christ. The evergreen branches represent continuous life, as they never die. The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent, with one candle lit each Sunday. Three of the candles are purple, and one is pink or rose-coloured.
The purple candles are the main candles of Advent, and each represents something different. The first candle, called the Prophecy Candle, symbolises hope and anticipation of Christ's coming. The second candle recalls the prophets and peace. The third candle, which is pink, symbolises rejoicing and the joy of the near arrival of Jesus. This candle marks a shift in the tone of Advent, from reflection to joyful anticipation. The fourth and final purple candle represents waiting for the coming of Jesus Christ, and the anticipation and excitement of Christmas.
The colours of the candles can vary, and sometimes all the candles are red, blue, or white. A fifth white candle, known as the Christ Candle, is sometimes placed in the centre of the wreath and lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to symbolise the birth of Jesus, the Light of the World.
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How to set up an Advent wreath
Setting up an Advent wreath is a beautiful way to celebrate the weeks leading up to Christmas and the birth of Christ. The Advent wreath is a popular custom that originated in Germany in the 16th century. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to set up and use an Advent wreath:
Step 1: Prepare the Wreath
You can buy a wreath specifically made for Advent candles, or you can get a regular evergreen wreath and place candle holders inside it. The evergreen branches of the wreath represent the continuous life of Christ, and the circular form symbolises eternity and the everlasting soul. Place the wreath on a flat surface in a prominent area of your home, such as a table or a mantle. Ensure that it is away from anything flammable.
Step 2: Prepare the Candles
The traditional Advent wreath includes four candles: three purple candles and one pink candle, often called the ""rose" candle. You can also add a fifth white candle, called the Christ candle, to the centre of the wreath. The purple candles are the main candles of Advent, and they each represent something different during the four weeks of Advent. The pink candle, lit during the third week, represents joy.
Step 3: Bless the Wreath
Before lighting the Advent wreath for the first time, it is customary to bless it. Begin by making the Sign of the Cross, as with any Catholic prayer or ritual.
Step 4: Lighting the Wreath
During the first week of Advent, light one purple candle. In the second week, light two purple candles. In the third week, light the two purple candles and the pink candle. Finally, in the fourth week, light all four candles. The Advent wreath is typically lit before dinner and left burning throughout the meal. It can also be lit before private or family prayers or Advent devotions.
Step 5: Prayers and Reflections
Each week of Advent has a different theme and corresponding prayers. The first week evokes the patriarchs and the virtue of hope. The second week recalls the prophets and peace. The third week recalls John the Baptist and joy, and the fourth week presents the figure of Mary and the virtue of love. The lighting of the Advent wreath should end with the Sign of the Cross.
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The significance of the wreath's shape and colour
The Advent wreath is a centuries-old Christian tradition that is believed to have originated in Germany, though the exact dates are unknown. The circular shape of the wreath is an important symbol. It represents God's infinite and eternal love, which has no beginning or end. This is especially significant during Advent, as Christians await the birth of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, who leads us into eternal life. The evergreen branches of the wreath represent the continuous life of Christ, as evergreens do not die. They also symbolise God's undying love, life, and growth in the midst of winter. The green colour symbolises hope and the everlasting life found in Christ.
The four candles on the wreath represent the four weeks of Advent, with one candle lit each Sunday. Three of the candles are purple, and the fourth is pink. The purple candles are lit on the first, second, and fourth Sundays of Advent, symbolising penance, repentance, and the anticipated coming of Christ. The pink candle is lit on the third Sunday of Advent, representing joy and a shift in tone from penitential reflection to joyful anticipation as Christmas approaches.
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The order of lighting the candles
The Advent wreath is a popular custom that originated in Germany in the 16th century. It consists of an evergreen wreath and four candles (traditionally, three purple candles and one rose or pink one). The evergreen branches of a traditional wreath represent the continuous life of Christ, as they never die. The circular form of the wreath symbolises the eternity of God and the everlasting soul, as a circle has no ending.
The first candle is lit in the first week of Advent, which is the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day. This candle is purple and represents hope. The second purple candle is lit in the second week, and it symbolises faith. In the third week of Advent, light two purple candles and one rose or pink candle. The pink candle represents joy. In the fourth week, light all four candles. The final purple candle symbolises peace.
On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, a fifth white candle, called the Christ candle, can be lit and placed in the centre of the wreath. This candle represents the coming of Christ, as well as his purity and lack of sin.
There does not appear to be a prescribed order for lighting the candles, except that the rose or pink candle is lit in the third week. The candles are typically lit before dinner and left burning throughout the meal. They can also be lit before private or family prayer or an Advent devotion.
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Prayers to say while lighting the wreath
The Advent wreath is a symbol that is shared and appreciated by most Christian denominations. The circular form of the wreath symbolises the eternity of God and the everlasting soul, as a circle has no ending. The evergreen branches of a traditional wreath represent the continuous life of Christ. The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent, and their progressive lighting expresses the expectation and hope surrounding the coming of the Messiah.
First Week
On the first Sunday of Advent, the first candle is lit, and the following prayer is said:
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 saved by Thy deliverance. Through Christ, our Lord.
All: Amen.
Second Week
On the second Sunday, two candles are lit, and the following prayer is said:
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. Through Christ, our Lord.
All: Amen.
Third Week
On the third Sunday, the pink candle is lit, and the following prayer is said:
Leader: O Lord, we beg Thee, incline Thine 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
On the fourth Sunday, all four candles are lit, and the following prayer is said:
Leader: Stir up Thy might, we pray Thee, O Lord, and come; rescue us through Thy great strength so that salvation, which has been hindered by our sins, may be hastened by the grace of Thy gentle mercy. Who livest and reignest for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
Blessing of the Advent Wreath
The Advent wreath is blessed on the Saturday before the first Sunday in Advent. The following prayer can be used:
Leader: Our help is in the name of the Lord.
All: Who made heaven and earth.
Leader: O God, by whose Word all things are sanctified, pour forth Your blessing upon this wreath and grant that we who use it may prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ and may receive from You abundant graces.
All: Amen.
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Frequently asked questions
The Advent wreath is a popular custom that originated in Germany in the 16th century. It consists of an evergreen wreath and four candles. The evergreen branches of a traditional wreath represent the continuous life of Christ, and the circular form of the wreath symbolises the eternity of God and the everlasting soul.
You can buy a wreath made specifically for Advent candles, or you can get a normal wreath and put candle holders inside it. Set the wreath down on a flat surface in a prominent area of your home, like your kitchen table or living room. You can also decorate your wreath with greenery or other decorations.
The Advent wreath is lit in sequence, with the lighting of each new candle bringing you closer to Christmas. In the first week of Advent, light one purple candle. In the second week, light two purple candles. In the third week, light two purple candles and one pink candle. In the fourth week, light all four candles. You can light your Advent wreath at dinnertime or during prayer.
There are Advent Wreath Prayers for each week of Advent. Here is the prayer for the First Week of Advent:
> Bestir, O Lord, Thy might, we pray thee and come; that, defended by Thee, we may deserve rescue from approaching dangers brought on by our sins, and being set free by Thee, obtain our salvation. Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.
