Advent wreaths and candles are more than just pretty Christmas decorations. The arrangement of an evergreen wreath with four candles (five, if you choose to feature one for Christmas Day itself) has special meaning and is used to put our focus on the upcoming celebration of Jesus' birth. An Advent wreath is circular and symbolizes everlasting life and unending love. The arrangement is used to put our attention on the meaning of Christmas. The candles, in particular, put our focus on hope, faith, joy and peace. A new candle is lit every Sunday before Christmas.? SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox. ?
When Does Advent Begin in 2025?
The first Advent took place in either the 4th or 5th century. It was a time of prayer and fasting for new Christians. Advent gradually developed into a season that lasted four weeks leading up to Christmas. The tradition as we know it today became popular in 1839 when the first Advent wreath appeared.Related: 160 Best Christmas Instagram Captions for Fun Holiday Vibes
What Is the History and Tradition of the Advent Wreath?
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The first Advent wreath was made in Germany in 1839. It wasn't like the ones we see today, though. That first wreath was created by a Lutheran minister named Johann Hinrich Wichern and was made out of a wheel from a cart. He placed 20 small red candles and four large candles inside the wheel. The red candles were lit on weekdays, and the white ones were lit each Sunday. It was a way for children to count down the days until Christmas. At some point, an evergreen wreath was used instead of the wheel, and the tradition was born. The circular wreath (which is comprised of evergreens) symbolizes everlasting life. When other decorations are added to a wreath, they typically have a meaning as well. Holly berries, being red, symbolize Jesus dying on the cross and shedding His blood for our sins. Even pine cones added to a wreath have significance and symbolize the new life we are given through resurrection.Related: Find Out the Special Meanings Behind 17 Traditional Christmas Symbols, Including Bells, Holly, Ornaments and More!
Why Are Advent Candles Purple, Pink and White?
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Typically, three of the four Advent candles are purple—the first, second and fourth ones. The first candle, or "Prophet's Candle," symbolizes hope. The color means royalty, repentance and fasting. It puts the focus on self-denial by abstaining from food or other pleasures to reflect on Christ's coming. It's a way to get in the right frame of mind in anticipation of the arrival of Jesus. The second purple candle, which is also called the "Bethlehem Candle," symbolizes faith. Micah foretold that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem, so this candle puts the focus on preparation for the King and the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. The fourth candle means peace and is also called the "Angel's Candle" because the angels announced that Jesus was coming to bring peace. Purple is used to symbolize the love that comes through Christ.
2. Pink Candles
3. White Candles
The fifth candle is optional and, when used, is typically put in the center of the wreath. White stands for light and purity and is known as "Christ's Candle." This white candle is lit on Christmas Day.Related: What Is Epiphany? The Meaning of Epiphany, How To Celebrate and When To Mark the 12th Day of Christmas
What Other Colors Are Used for Advent Candles?
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Red: Red Advent colors have German roots. The color symbolizes communion and is used to promote religious unity. The color red has always been a prominent Christmas color.Blue: Blue Advent candles have the same meaning as traditional purple candles. This color is sometimes used in place of purple to differentiate between Advent and Lent.Green: Green represents faith and is sometimes used with an Advent wreath.Gold: Another popular Christmas color is gold, which symbolizes love and kingship.
Related: What Are the Christmas Colors? Why Red and Green Became the Shades of the Holiday Season
How Do Advent Wreaths Vary by Religion?
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Catholic churches use the traditional colors of purple, pink and white. They use the purple color to signify penance. It's also the color worn by the priest. The pink candle is used to represent rejoicing.
Greek Orthodox Churches
Lutheran churches in the U.S. typically follow the same tradition as Catholic churches, using traditional candle colors. In some cases, though, they will use four blue candles instead. The blue candles represent hope and expectation.
Protestant Churches
Protestant churches tend to use blue candles as well, or all white.Related: Fun Christmas Trivia Questions (With Answers) for Family Gatherings
What Are the Four Points of Advent?
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Related: 101 of the Best 'Merry Christmas' Bible Verses for the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
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