Advent Wreath & Candles – The Meaning, History, and Tradition

Advent Wreath Candles

The Advent Wreath is one of the first ornaments that announces the arrival of Christmas, and despite being one of the aspects of this time of year whose symbolism is less well recognised, many households already have one. This, also known as the Advent Chaplet, contains significant symbolism that is closely tied to the Christian faith’s foundations: hope, eternity, God’s love, and so on.

Don’t miss the following article if you want to learn more about the symbolism of the Advent Wreath and where it came from. Prepare for the year’s most important celebration!

What is the Advent Wreath?

Advent Wreath Candles

Nowadays, there are many different varieties of Advent wreaths, all with different embellishments, but in essence, this classic ornament consists of two primary elements: entwined green branches that form a circle, and four candles that are lit progressively each Sunday of Advent. Remember that Advent is the four Sundays preceding Christmas, and it is precisely these four Sundays that make up Advent (so it lasts from 22 to 28 days, depending on the year).

A red ribbon commonly wraps the branches and other features and ornaments, such as pine cones, Christmas balls, tinsel, and colored bows, in Advent Wreaths.

The Origin of the Advent Wreath

Advent Wreath Candles

Although it is difficult to say for sure, it is thought that the Advent Wreath originated in the old pagan traditions of some northern European peoples, who lit candles to retain light and hope during the darkest and most difficult season of the year, the winter. Some Catholics and Protestants did not begin to adopt these pre-Christian customs to celebrate Advent until the 16th century, replacing the expectation of the approach of spring with the hope of the arrival of Jesus.

READ ALSO  5 Easy and Delicious Christmas Dessert Recipes to Make This Year

Currently, and once blessed, this crown is worn in churches and houses beginning on the first Sunday of Advent, almost usually reigning over the door. We’ve already established that the Advent Wreath is one of the most iconic symbols of the coming of Christmas, but what precisely does it represent?

What does the Advent Wreath Mean?

Advent Wreath Candles

This explanation will be very useful whether you are looking for the meaning of the Advent Wreath for children or if you want to better comprehend the significance of this cheery detail for yourself.

And it is that, in addition to being a lovely ornament, this element has a significant importance for believers. In fact, the word Advent derives from the Latin word adventus, which meaning “coming” or “arrival.” It is the first stage of the liturgical year for Christians, and it begins with a period of preparation for the expected entrance of God made man.

The crown, or more especially its circular shape, represents God’s infinite love on the one hand. Green branches are used to represent two key elements in the Christian faith: hope and eternal life. However, not only the crown’s leaves should be considered, but also the crimson of the ribbon that surrounds it, which is a clear symbolic of God’s love and passion for men. Many times, the crown contains things worth investigating, the most common of which are red fruits like apples. These details represent the forbidden fruits of Eden and the beginning of sin, through which God comes to redeem men in this occasion.

READ ALSO  10 Christmas Tree Decoration Ideas to Make it Look Amazing

We’ll also go over Advent candles, which are four lights that get brighter as Christmas approaches, so keep reading to find out more.

Advent Candles Meaning

Advent Wreath Candles

What does the Advent Wreath’s color scheme mean? We’ve previously discussed the meaning of the crown’s green and red, but we still need to discuss the Advent candles, the element’s major actors.

It’s no surprise that the Advent Wreath has four candles, each representing one of the four Sundays of the season. However, you might be curious as to what these hues imply. Three of the candles are purple, the same color as the priest’s ecclesiastical vestments during Advent homilies. This color represents penance, waiting, and spirituality, and it is lit on the first, second, and fourth Sundays.

Then there’s the third Sunday. On that day, a third candle is lit, generally pink, to signify the joy of the light as it approaches Christmas. Gaudete Sunday, or Sunday of Joy, is the name given to the third Sunday of the year. On Christmas Eve, some believers burn a fifth white candle and place it in the center of the Wreath to represent Jesus’ entrance.

If you wish to build an Advent Wreath out of crafts, you should be aware of the meanings of each of the elements. Also, if you wish to explain the meaning of the Advent Wreath to youngsters, you will find it much easier with this extensive information.

Visit This Places to Explore a Traveler in You Upcoming Film Tovino Thomas and Kalyani Priyadarshan’s ‘Thallumaala’ Anne Heche in hospital, ‘stable’ after fiery car crash Beyonce Latest News and Pictures