Advent wreath

The Advent wreath, also called the Advent crown, is a special Christian tradition used to mark the four weeks of Advent. It began mainly in Lutheran churches but is now used in many other Christian denominations.

An Advent wreath is made from evergreen branches shaped like a wreath and holds four candles. Some wreaths have a fifth white candle in the middle. Each Sunday during Advent, one candle is lit. This can be a time for Bible reading, quiet thought, and prayers. By the last Sunday of Advent, all four candles are lit. The fifth candle, called the Christ candle, is sometimes lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

This lovely custom helps families and communities prepare for Christmas.

History

The Advent wreath began with German Lutherans in the 1500s. A pastor named Johann Hinrich Wichern made an early version in 1839. He used a wooden ring with candles to help children count the days until Christmas. This idea spread to many churches over time.

The Advent wreath now has four candles, and sometimes a fifth in the middle. It reminds people that Christmas is coming. In 1964, a TV show in the UK showed how to make a simple wreath at home. This helped many families start this tradition. Some Eastern Orthodox families use a wreath with six candles for their longer Christmas preparation time.

Christian symbolism in the Advent wreath

Further information: Liturgical colors of Advent

Advent wreaths are circular, showing God’s love that never ends. They are usually made from evergreen leaves, which stand for the hope of eternal life because of Jesus Christ. The candles in the wreath represent the four weeks of Advent and the light of God coming into the world through the birth of Jesus Christ. Each candle has its own meaning: hope, peace, joy, and love. These candles are lit one by one each week of Advent.

Some wreaths have a white candle in the middle called the "Christ candle," which stands for the coming of Christmas. This candle is lit on Christmas Eve and can stay lit through the Christmas season. The colors of the candles can vary. In many churches, they are violet or blue, with the third candle sometimes pink to show joy. In some places, like the United Kingdom, red candles are used instead. Each color and candle has its own special meaning during the Advent season.