Ethan Walker
The Advent wreath, or Advent crown, is a Christian tradition that is said to have originated among German Lutherans in the 16th century. The wreath is made of various evergreens, signifying continuous life, and is decorated with candles. The circular shape of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God and the immortality of the soul. The Advent wreath is a popular tradition among Catholics, who use it to focus their prayers and meditation on welcoming Christ into their hearts during the Advent season.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | The tradition is believed to have originated in Germany, but the exact dates are unknown. |
| History | Pre-Christian Germanic peoples used wreaths with lit candles during the dark winter months to signify hope for the warmer, lighter spring days. By the Middle Ages, Christians had adapted this tradition to prepare for Christmas spiritually. |
| Symbolism | The evergreen wreath symbolises continuous life, with each type of greenery and decoration holding a specific meaning. The four candles represent the light of Christ entering the world, with each candle lit each week symbolising the passing of time. |
| Colours | The colours violet and rose are commonly used during Advent and Lent, signifying prayer, penance, and sacrifice. |
| Catholic Tradition | The Advent wreath is a long-standing Catholic tradition, used to prepare for the birth of Jesus and welcome Him into the heart. |
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What You'll Learn
The Advent wreath's history
The Advent wreath is a Christian tradition that symbolizes the passage of the four weeks of Advent in the liturgical calendar of the Western church. It is traditionally a Lutheran practice, although it has spread to many other Christian denominations, including Catholicism. The tradition is said to have originated in Germany in the 16th century, although the exact dates are unknown.
The Advent wreath is made of various kinds of evergreens, which signify continuous life. The greenery used to decorate the wreath symbolizes everlasting life and hope given to us by Jesus. The laurel signifies victory over persecution and suffering; pine, holly, and yew, immortality; and cedar, strength and healing. The wreath as a whole is meant to remind us of the immortality of our souls and God's promise of everlasting life through Christ. The four candles on the Advent wreath represent the light of Christ entering the world. Each candle is lit on each of the four Sundays of the Advent season, with an additional candle lit on each subsequent Sunday until all four are lit on the last Sunday of Advent.
The tradition is said to have originated with pre-Christian Germanic peoples who used wreaths with lit candles during the cold and dark December days as a sign of hope for the warmer and brighter days of spring. By the Middle Ages, Christians had adapted this tradition and used Advent wreaths as part of their spiritual preparation for Christmas. The circular shape of the wreath, with no beginning or end, symbolizes God's infinite love, the eternity of God, and the everlasting life found in Christ.
The Advent wreath gained popularity among Protestant churches in Germany and evolved into the smaller wreath with four or five candles known today. The custom originated in family settings but has also become widespread in public worship.
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The wreath's symbolism
The Advent wreath is steeped in symbolism. The wreath itself, which is usually made of evergreen branches, symbolises continuous life and the immortality of the soul. The circular shape of the wreath, with no beginning or end, represents God's infinite and eternal love, and the evergreen branches represent life and growth in the middle of winter.
The four candles of the Advent wreath represent the light of Christ entering the world, and the contrast between darkness and light. Each candle is lit on each of the four Sundays of the Advent season, and each candle can be attributed its own significance. The first candle, known as the "Prophecy" or "Messiah" candle, symbolises hope and expectation of the coming Messiah. The second, the "Bethlehem" candle, symbolises faith and the journey of Mary and Joseph. The third, the "Shepherd's" candle, symbolises joy at the coming birth of Jesus. The fourth candle, the "Angel's" candle, symbolises peace and the message of the angels.
Some Advent wreaths also include a fifth, white candle, known as the 'Christ candle', which is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to symbolise the arrival of Christmastide and the birth of Jesus Christ.
The colours of the candles also have significance. Purple candles symbolise penance, repentance, and the anticipated coming of Christ the King, while pink or rose candles symbolise joy and celebration in the midst of repentance.
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The candles' symbolism
The Advent wreath is a Christian tradition that is observed by many Catholic and Protestant churches. The lighting of the candles on the wreath is a significant part of the Advent season. The four candles on the wreath represent the four weeks of Advent, with an additional candle lit each week until all four are illuminated on the final Sunday before Christmas. Each candle also symbolises the 1,000 years that humanity waited for the world's saviour, totalling 4,000 years from Adam and Eve to the birth of Jesus.
The first candle, often purple, symbolises Hope and is sometimes called the "Prophecy Candle" or "Prophet's Candle". It reminds Christians that Jesus is coming and harkens back to Isaiah's foretelling of Christ's birth and the promises made by God in the Old Testament.
The second candle, also purple, represents Faith and is known as the "Bethlehem Candle". It symbolises Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem and their faith in God's promise.
The third candle is pink and symbolises Joy, also known as the "Shepherd's Candle". It represents the joy the world felt at the birth of Jesus and the joy that Jesus invites us to experience.
The fourth candle is called the "Angel's Candle" and symbolises Peace and God's love. It reminds Christians of the message of the angels: "Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men".
Some Advent wreaths also include a fifth white candle, known as the "Christ candle", which is placed in the centre of the wreath and lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. This candle symbolises the arrival of Christmastide, purity, and the light of Christ entering the world.
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How to pray with the Advent wreath
The Advent wreath is a Christian tradition that is typically associated with the Lutheran denomination, although it is also observed by many other Christian denominations, including Catholics. The wreath and its candles are imbued with rich symbolism tied to the Christmas season. The circular shape of the wreath, for instance, symbolises the eternity of God and everlasting life in Christ, while the evergreen foliage represents continuous life.
The Advent wreath is a wonderful way to focus your prayers on welcoming Christ into your heart and preparing for the true meaning of Christmas. Here is a guide on how to pray with the Advent wreath:
Week 1
The Advent wreath is traditionally blessed on the evening of the Saturday before the First Sunday of Advent. The head of the household or a designated leader says a prayer, after which the youngest child lights the first purple candle. 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. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
> All: Amen.
The wreath is then sprinkled with water. Each night during the first week, the following prayer is repeated before the evening meal, after which the candle is lit:
> 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.
Week 2
On the Second Sunday of Advent, the oldest child lights the first and second purple candles. The following prayer is repeated each day during the second week, after which the candles are lit:
> 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.
Week 3
The Third Sunday of Advent is a joyful occasion, known as "Gaudete", and is represented by a rose or pink candle instead of purple. After the following prayer is said, the mother of the family lights the pink candle as well as the two purple candles from the previous weeks:
> 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.
Week 4
During the fourth week, the following prayer is repeated each day. After the prayer, all four candles are lit:
> 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.
> All: Amen.
After the fourth week, the Advent wreath is transformed into a Christmas wreath, with red ribbons and long red or white tapers. If desired, other festive decorations can be added.
The Advent wreath is a beautiful tradition that can be adapted to suit your family's needs. It is a simple yet meaningful way to bring your family together in prayer and worship during the Advent season.
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The Advent wreath's spread beyond Catholicism
The Advent wreath, or Advent crown, is a Christian tradition that symbolizes the passage of the four weeks of Advent in the liturgical calendar of the Western church. Although it is traditionally a Lutheran practice, the tradition has spread to many other Christian denominations beyond Catholicism.
The custom originated in family settings in the 16th century among German Lutherans but has also become widespread in public worship. The Advent wreath is believed to have originated from pre-Christian Germanic peoples, who used wreaths with lit candles during the cold and dark December days as a sign of hope for the warmer and brighter days of spring. During the Middle Ages, Christians adapted this tradition and used Advent wreaths as part of their spiritual preparation for Christmas.
The circular shape of the Advent wreath is said to symbolize God's infinite love and the eternity of God, with no beginning or end. The wreath is typically made of evergreen leaves, such as laurel, pine, holly, yew, or cedar, which signify continuous life and immortality. The individual evergreens that make up the wreath also have their own meanings. For example, laurel signifies victory over persecution and suffering, while pine cones symbolize life and resurrection.
The four candles on the Advent wreath represent the four weeks of Advent, with an additional candle lit on each subsequent Sunday. Each candle also has its own symbolism, representing the light of Christ entering the world, dispelling the darkness of sin. The first candle symbolizes hope and is known as the "Prophet's Candle," reminding us of the coming of Jesus. The second candle symbolizes faith and is called the "Bethlehem Candle," representing Mary and Joseph's journey. The third candle, the "Shepherd's Candle," embodies joy, reminding us of the joy at the birth of Jesus. The fourth candle, often purple or rose-colored, symbolizes peace, reflecting the message of the angels.
While the Advent wreath tradition originated in Germany, it has spread beyond its initial boundaries and is now observed in various parts of the world, particularly in the Western Church.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Advent wreath is a longstanding Catholic tradition.
The Advent wreath symbolises hope, peace, joy, and love through its four candles, each representing a week leading up to the birth of Christ. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolises the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and everlasting life.
The colours of the four candles on the Advent wreath are typically three purple and one rose-coloured. Some wreaths also include a fifth white "Christ candle", symbolising purity, that is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
The lighting of the Advent wreath begins on the First Sunday of Advent, with one additional candle lit on each subsequent Sunday until all four candles are lit on the last Sunday before Christmas.
The Advent wreath originated from a pre-Christian Germanic tradition of lighting candles during the winter solstice to honour the return of longer days and warmer weather. In the Middle Ages, Christians adapted this tradition to mark the season of Advent and prepare for the birth of Christ.
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