The Advent wreath is part of our long-standing Christian tradition. However, the actual origins are uncertain. There is evidence of pre-Christian Germanic peoples using wreathes with lit candles during the cold and dark December days as a sign of hope for the future warm and sunfilled days of Spring. In Scandinavia during winter, lighted candles were placed around a wheel, and prayers were offered to the god of light to turn “the wheel of the earth” back toward the sun to lengthen the days and restore warmth.

By the Middle Ages, the Christians adapted this tradition and used Advent wreathes as part of their spiritual preparation for Christmas. The wreath is made of various evergreens, signifying continuous life. Even these evergreens have a traditional meaning which can be adapted to our faith: The laurel signifies victory over persecution and suffering; pine, holly, and yew, immortality; and cedar, strength and healing. Holly also has a special Christian symbolism: The prickly leaves remind us of the crown of thorns, and one English legend tells us the cross was made of holly. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life found in Christ. Any pine cones, nuts, or seedpods used to decorate the wreath also symbolize life and resurrection. All together, the wreath of evergreens depicts the immortality of our soul and the new, everlasting life promised to us through Christ.

The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent. The purple candles symbolize the prayer, penance, and preparatory sacrifices and goods works undertaken at this time. The progressive lighting of the candles symbolizes the expectation and hope surrounding our Lord’s birth. Modern day adaptions include a white candle placed in the middle of the wreath, which represents Christ and is lit on Christmas Eve.

The individual candles represent:

• The first candle reminds us of the patriarchs, Abraham and David, the Old Testament ancestors of Jesus.
• The second candle reminds us of the prophets, who foretold the birth of Jesus.
• The third candle reminds us of John the Baptist, who proclaimed and baptised Jesus in the Jordan.
• The fourth candle reminds us of the Virgin Mary, who bore Jesus in her womb.
• The fifth candle reminds of the birth of Jesus, God become man.

 

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