Advent wreath

Advent Wreath

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 usually a horizontal evergreen wreath with four candles and often, a fifth, white candle in the center. Beginning with the First Sunday of Advent, the lighting of a candle can be accompanied by a Bible reading and prayers.

History

The concept of the Advent Wreath originated among German Lutherans in the 16th Century. However, it was not until three centuries later that the modern Advent Wreath took shape. Johann Hinrich Wichern (1808–1881), a Protestant pastor in Germany and a pioneer in urban mission work among the poor, is credited with the idea of the modern Advent Wreath in the 19th century.

Symbolism

The Advent Wreath is part of a long-standing Catholic tradition. The wreath, typically a circular garland of evergreen branches, is a symbol of eternity and unending love. The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent, and one candle is lit each Sunday. Three of the candles are purple because the color violet is a liturgical color that signifies a time of prayer, penance, and sacrifice.

The first candle, which is purple, symbolizes hope. It is sometimes called the “Prophecy Candle” in remembrance of the prophets, primarily Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. The second candle, also purple, represents faith. It is called “Bethlehem’s Candle” as a tribute to the manger where Jesus was born. The third candle is pink and symbolizes joy. It is called the “Shepherd’s Candle,” and is pink because rose is a liturgical color for joy. The fourth candle, purple, represents peace. It is known as the “Angel’s Candle,” in remembrance of the message of the angels: “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.”

The fifth candle, when used, is white and is lit on Christmas Eve. This candle is called the “Christ Candle” and represents the life of Christ. The color white is for purity—because Christ is our sinless, pure Savior.

See also

• Advent
• Johann Hinrich Wichern
• Christmas Eve