Advent, the period of preparation for Christmas, is a time of reflection, anticipation, and spiritual renewal. A central symbol of this season is the Advent wreath, adorned with candles that are lit successively each Sunday leading up to Christmas Day.
Advent, derived from the Latin word adventus meaning “coming” or “arrival,” is a significant season in the Christian liturgical calendar. It encompasses the four weeks leading up to Christmas, serving as a period of preparation and anticipation for the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth. A central tradition during this time is the lighting of Advent candles, each with its own symbolism and significance.
Origins and History of Advent Candles
The practice of using candles during Advent has deep historical roots. The modern Advent wreath, adorned with candles, is believed to have originated in 19th-century Germany. In 1839, Johann Hinrich Wichern, a Protestant pastor, crafted a wooden ring with 20 small red candles and four large white ones to help children count down to Christmas. Each day, a small candle was lit, with a large candle illuminated on Sundays. This tradition evolved into the contemporary Advent wreath, typically featuring four candles.
Symbolism of the Advent Wreath
The Advent wreath itself is rich in symbolism:
Evergreen Foliage: The use of evergreens signifies continuous life and God’s unending love. Plants like holly and laurel are often incorporated, representing immortality and victory over sin.
Circular Shape: The circle, having no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God and the everlasting life found in Christ.
Candles: The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent. Each candle holds specific significance, often associated with themes of hope, peace, joy, and love.
Colors and Their Meanings
Traditionally, the Advent candles are:
Three Purple Candles: Purple signifies penance, preparation, and royalty, reflecting the solemn yet hopeful anticipation of Christ’s coming.
One Pink (Rose) Candle: Lit on the third Sunday, known as Gaudete Sunday, this candle represents joy, marking a shift from repentance to celebration.
In some traditions, blue candles are used to distinguish Advent from Lent and to symbolize hope.
The Four Candles: Themes and Significance
First Candle – Hope (Prophecy Candle): This candle symbolizes the hope and anticipation of the Messiah’s arrival, recalling the prophecies foretelling Christ’s birth.
Second Candle – Peace (Bethlehem Candle): Representing peace, this candle reflects on Christ’s manger and the preparation to receive the Savior.
Third Candle – Joy (Shepherds’ Candle): The pink candle signifies joy, commemorating the shepherds who received the joyful news of Christ’s birth.
Fourth Candle – Love (Angels’ Candle): This candle embodies love, reminding believers of the angels’ message: “Peace on earth, goodwill toward men.”
Some traditions include a Fifth Candle – Christ Candle, placed at the center of the wreath and lit on Christmas Eve or Day, symbolizing Christ as the light of the world.
Variations in Traditions
While the four-candle Advent wreath is prevalent, variations exist:
Number of Candles: Some wreaths include a fifth candle, the Christ Candle, lit on Christmas.
Candle Colors: Beyond the traditional purple and pink, some denominations use blue candles to represent hope and differentiate Advent from Lent.
Candle Names and Themes: Different Christian denominations may assign varying themes to each candle, such as faith, preparation, or purity.
Advent Candle Lighting Rituals
The ritual of lighting Advent candles is often accompanied by specific prayers, Scripture readings, and hymns corresponding to each week’s theme. This practice serves as a spiritual preparation, guiding believers through reflection and anticipation of Christ’s coming.
Advent Candles in Modern Celebrations
In contemporary times, the Advent wreath and candles are integral to both church services and family traditions. They offer a tangible way to mark the passage of Advent, fostering a sense of anticipation and spiritual readiness for Christmas.
The Significance of the Candles:
Number of Candles: The most common arrangement features four candles: three purple candles and one pink candle.
The Purple Candles: Often symbolize hope, peace, and love, representing the qualities that Christians strive for during Advent.
The Pink Candle: Known as the “Rose Candle,” it is lit on the third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday), signifying joy and anticipation.
The Fifth Candle (Optional): Some Advent wreaths include a fifth candle, often white, placed in the center. This candle, known as the Christ Candle, is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to symbolize the birth of Jesus Christ, the “Light of the World.”
Lighting the Candles:
Traditionally, one candle is lit on the first Sunday of Advent, then two on the second, three on the third, and all four on the fourth.
Each lighting can be accompanied by a short reading, prayer, or hymn, deepening the spiritual reflection.
The Symbolism of the Advent Wreath:
The Circle: The circular shape of the wreath symbolizes eternity and God’s everlasting love.
The Evergreens: The evergreen branches represent eternal life and the enduring hope of salvation.
The Candles: The candles symbolize the light of Christ, dispelling the darkness of the world and bringing hope and joy.
The Decreasing Darkness: As each candle is lit, the darkness diminishes, symbolizing the growing anticipation of Christ’s birth and the increasing light in the world.
Advent Wreaths in Modern Times:
Secular Adaptations: While rooted in Christian tradition, Advent wreaths have become popular secular decorations during the Christmas season.
Variations: Many variations of the traditional Advent wreath exist, incorporating different colors, materials, and decorations.
Family Traditions: Lighting the Advent candles has become a cherished family tradition for many, offering a time for reflection, prayer, and shared experiences.
Making Your Own Advent Wreath:
Gather your materials: You’ll need evergreen branches, four candles (three purple and one pink or rose), ribbons, and any other decorations you desire.
Create the base: Arrange the evergreen branches in a circular shape, securing them with wire or twine.
Place the candles: Insert the candles into the wreath, ensuring they are securely placed.
Decorate: Add ribbons, bows, pine cones, or other decorations to personalize your wreath.
Celebrating Advent with an Advent Wreath:
Family Gatherings: Gather your family around the Advent wreath each Sunday to light the candles, read a scripture, and share reflections.
Quiet Reflection: Use the time spent with the Advent wreath as an opportunity for personal reflection and prayer.
Acts of Service: Incorporate acts of service into your Advent celebrations, such as helping others in need or performing acts of kindness.
The Advent wreath is a beautiful and meaningful symbol of hope and anticipation during the Christmas season. Whether used in a religious or secular context, it provides an opportunity for reflection, gratitude, and preparation for the joyous celebration of Christmas.
FAQs
What are Advent Candles?
Advent candles are a central part of Christian Advent celebrations, the period of preparation leading up to Christmas. They are typically arranged on an evergreen wreath, symbolizing eternal life.
What is the significance of Advent Candles?
Symbolism: The candles represent the anticipation and joy of awaiting the birth of Jesus Christ.
Spiritual Reflection: The lighting of the candles each week provides an opportunity for reflection, prayer, and spiritual preparation for Christmas.
Family Tradition: Lighting Advent candles can become a cherished family tradition, creating a sense of anticipation and togetherness.
How many Advent Candles are there?
Traditional: Most Advent wreaths have four candles.
Fifth Candle: Some traditions include a fifth candle, often white, which is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to represent the birth of Christ.
What colors are Advent Candles?
Purple: Represents hope, penitence, and royalty. Most Advent candles are purple.
Pink: Symbolizes joy and is lit on the third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday).
White or Gold: Represents the glory of Christ and is often used for the fifth candle.
To read more,Click Here.
