The Meaning and History of the Advent Wreath
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Advent wreaths are a popular Catholic tradition. But what is the meaning of the Advent wreath and lighting a new candle each week? There is much history behind this, but in summary, it is a beautiful and effective way to enhance the feeling of anticipation and gratefulness for the coming of Jesus on Christmas Day.
But there is so much more to Advent wreaths than simply counting down the weeks. Spiritual meaning permeates every aspect of Advent wreaths, from the color of the candles to the shape of the wreath itself. Read on to find...
- the full history of the Advent wreath tradition
- symbolism and spiritual significance
- the reason for four candles
- explanation of the colors
- weekly reflections for the 4 weeks
- and the meaning of the white Christ candle
The History of Advent Wreaths
Believers have used the components of an Advent wreath — a circle of evergreen boughs adorned with candles — to bring light and warmth to the cold and dark winter months for thousands of years. In fact, our pre-Christian forefathers celebrated Yule (December) by lighting candles on an evergreen wreath.
Christians began to adopt this tradition in the Middle Ages. It was a way to symbolize and make real the spiritual significance of Advent for them. However, these early Advent wreaths did not resemble what we would consider an Advent wreath. They were simply any number of white candles adorning a wreath of evergreen boughs.
Advent wreaths as we know them today can be traced back to a few hundred years ago among the Lutherans of eastern Germany. In the sixteenth century, the custom of using candles as religious symbols for Advent started in the houses of the faithful. This practice quickly spread among eastern German Protestants and soon gained acceptance from Protestants and Catholics in other parts of the country. By the mid 19th century, Advent wreaths looked very similar to what we currently think of.
Johann Hinrich Wichern, a German Lutheran pastor, is the man behind this wreath. Children at his mission school often asked when Christmas would arrive. To aid his children in understanding this, he took an old wooden wheel and decorated it with 24 small red candles and four larger white candles. Each weekday and Saturday, he lit one of the red candles. Each Sunday, he lit a large white candle. This style of the tradition gained popularity and soon evolved into the four candles as we know it.
The Symbolism and Spiritual Significance
From the first Advent wreaths to our modern-day Advent wreaths, there is deep spiritual significance throughout.
The traditional symbolism of the Advent wreath reminds the faithful of the Old Testament, when humanity was "sitting in darkness and death's shadow" (Luke 1:79); when the hearts of men glowed with the desire for the coming Messiah. The wreath — an ancient symbol of victory and glory — symbolizes the "fulfillment of time" in the coming of Christ and the glory of His birth.
The Flame
The Advent season is all about welcoming the light of Christ's return. Lighting the Advent wreath's candles is a physical way of reminding us of His light. We begin in "darkness", sitting waiting with the desire for the coming Messiah. The flames, as they are progressively lit, give physical and spiritual light during the dark days of winter and bring hope for the coming birth of Our Lord.
The Evergreen Wreaths
Advent wreaths are traditionally composed of evergreen boughs. In the beginning, worshippers were just using what was plentiful and available. Now, the material has been given added meaning because of the way it symbolizes life. After all, evergreen remains alive and green even in the coldest, darkest winters.
The Shape
When we think of Christ, we think of His eternal purity, His never-ending mercy. As Christ is eternal, the round shape of the traditional Advent wreath is eternal: there is no beginning and no end. The shape, too, is a reminder.
Four Candles - Purple & Pink
One of the clearest and most meaningful aspects of Advent wreaths is the number of candles. The liturgical season of Advent starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas rather than being a set number of days.
Because there are always four Sundays in Advent, the four candles each represent one of those four weeks.
In the mid-19th century, it became popular to begin coloring the candles for even deeper spiritual significance. The first, second, and fourth candles are purple, while the third candle is pink. Do you know why?
Purple is the liturgical color of Advent and the liturgical color for repentance. It reminds us to somberly prepare our hearts for the coming of the Lord, repenting of anything keeping us from perfect communion with Him.
Pink is the liturgical color for joy. The third Sunday is "Gaudete Sunday" - from the Latin word for "rejoice". It reminds us to rejoice amidst the penitential season of Advent, symbolizing that Christmas is near.
Weekly Meaning
Advent always has four Sundays, with each candle assigned to a specific week. The candles are lit on the corresponding Sunday along with the candles from previous weeks. Each week has a theme, and the candles are named accordingly.
- Week 1: The Hope Candle. This first purple candle is lit on Advent Sunday. It symbolizes the hope Jesus offers and marks the beginning of preparation for His arrival.
- Week 2: The Peace Candle. Also known as the Bethlehem candle, this second purple candle represents Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem. Lighting it invites reflection on bringing Christ's peace to the world.
- Week 3: The Joy Candle. Lit on Gaudete Sunday ("Rejoice" in Latin), this pink candle symbolizes the joy experienced and the anticipation of Christ's arrival.
- Week 4: The Love Candle. The final purple candle represents love in all forms. It includes God's love for the world, Christ's love for humanity, and our love for neighbors and ourselves. It also signifies Jesus' imminent arrival on Christmas Day.
The Christ Candle
More recently, additional spiritual meaning has been added to Advent wreaths in the form of an optional fifth candle. This candle is the "Christ Candle." This fifth candle is white and is placed at the center of the Advent wreath. It is lit on Christmas Day to represent the arrival of Jesus Christ and symbolizes the light He brings to the world.
A Symbol of Light and Love in the Advent Season
The Advent season is a time for reflection, repentance, and celebration. The Advent wreath is not just a fun piece of holiday decor, but a powerful and profound way to enter in. An Advent wreath offers a physical witness of faith to guests, brings a warm Christmas-is-near feeling to your home, offers a chance for your family to unite and pray together, and encourages you to reflect on the nearness of Christ.
Make the Advent wreath a priority in your Catholic home this Advent. Give it a prominent place in your home. Encourage your children to learn and follow along with you in the traditions. Invite the Lord in through this simple physical tool.
Pick an Advent Wreath for You!
This is our most classic evergreen bough Advent wreath - and it's been a bestseller in our catalog for many years!
This wreath is accented by natural pine cones, gold baubles, gold berries, green ferns tipped with gold glitter, and purple ribbon bows.
Measures 11" in diameter and is boxed for seasonal storage. Candles sold separately.
Don't Forget Your Candles!
And for Your Kids...
Another Advent bestseller is our LEGO Advent Wreath! It is a favorite amongst families and as a gift from grandparents or godparents to their little ones.
This unique set features 48 genuine LEGO® bricks and is put together by a local family-run business just a few miles from us!
This is a great way to involve your little ones in the wait for Christ's coming - order yours today!
