The colors of Advent candles carry symbolic meaning related to the themes of each week in Advent. While the traditional Advent wreath uses three purple candles and one pink candle, there are no hard rules about what colors the candles must be.
The Meaning Behind Traditional Advent Candle Colors
The traditional Advent wreath uses three purple candles and one pink candle. The purple candles match the purple vestments typically worn by priests during Advent in the Catholic Church. Purple is a penitential color, representing spiritual preparation and repentance. Each candle represents one of the four weeks of Advent:
- The 1st Sunday of Advent candle is purple, symbolizing hope.
- The 2nd Sunday of Advent candle is also purple for faith.
- The 3rd Sunday of Advent candle is pink for joy.
- The 4th Sunday of Advent candle is purple for peace.
The pink candle on the third Sunday provides a visual break from the penitential purple of the other weeks. It represents joy coming into a time of repentance. Some traditions use a white candle instead of pink for the third Sunday.
The Use of Blue Advent Candles
In recent years, some Advent wreaths use blue candles instead of purple. Blue represents expectant hope and anticipation for the coming of Christ. The meaning of each candle is the same:
- The 1st Sunday candle symbolizes hope.
- The 2nd Sunday candle represents faith.
- The 3rd Sunday candle signifies joy.
- The 4th Sunday candle represents peace.
Blue candles provide a visual distinction from Lent, which uses purple candles. The different liturgical colors help differentiate the preparatory seasons of Advent and Lent.
Variations in Number of Candles
While most Advent wreaths contain four candles, some traditions involve wreaths with different numbers:
- Lutheran wreaths often include a white Christ candle in the center of the wreath, lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. This makes five total candles.
- Some wreaths include a fifth purple or blue candle lit on Christmas Day. This represents the coming of Christ.
- Wreaths with 24 candles exist, with one lit each day from December 1-24th. This represents a countdown to Christmas Eve.
In any form, the wreath’s circular shape represents God’s infinite love and the eternal life found through Christ.
The Candles Do Not Have to Be Pink and Purple
While the four purple and pink candles are considered traditional, the colors are not set in stone. Wreaths can feature different colors with symbolic meanings:
| Color | Meaning |
| Red | Christ’s sacrifice |
| Green | Life and growth |
| Gold | Royalty and wealth |
| White | Purity and innocence |
Churches and families can choose whatever colors resonate with their traditions and understanding of Advent. The symbols enrich the weekly reflections but are not doctrinally mandated.
Creative Advent Candle Ideas
Beyond selecting different colors, many creative alternatives to plain taper candles exist:
- Beeswax candles relate the wreath to nature.
- Candles with glitter or sequins add sparkle.
- Wooden candle holders create a rustic impression.
- Ornate candlesticks provide an elegant mood.
- Evergreen boughs lining the wreath offer natural fragrance.
- Pinecones and holly berries adorn the wreath with organic beauty.
- Twigs wrapped in white lights illuminate the wreath.
Scented candles infuse aromas like pine, spice, cinnamon, or vanilla. Battery-operated candles allow safe use with children. Wreaths can include symbols related to the weekly Advent themes like a dove, cross, sheep or manger scene. The options are endless for creatively decorating the wreath.
Advent Wreaths for Children
Advent wreaths present a meaningful visual teaching tool for children. Options include:
- Having children assist in making the wreath using real evergreen branches, pinecones, and ribbons.
- Allowing children to select the candle colors according to their own creative ideas.
- Using chunky toddler-safe candles to allow little ones to participate.
- Letting children take turns lighting the candles each week.
- Reading a children’s devotional or story related to each candle.
- Singing songs as the candles are lit like “Light One Candle.”
Children often enjoy having an active role in family traditions. The wreath offers a multisensory experience with sights, smells, sounds, and participation in lighting the candles. Activities can be tailored to fit different ages and stages of development.
Tips for Using Real Candles
For safety, LED candles are recommended with children. If using real candles, follow these precautions:
- Keep away from flammable materials like curtains or upholstery.
- Don’t leave burning candles unattended.
- Place on a sturdy, non-combustible surface away from woods and plastics.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Trim wicks to 1⁄4” before lighting to prevent high flames and smoking.
- Allow wax to pool completely across the top before each lighting to prevent tunneling.
- Extinguish candles when 2” of wax remains to prevent breakage and overflow.
With safety measures in place, real Advent candles create a warm glow perfect for meditating on biblical themes and symbolism.
Conclusion
The four-candle Advent wreath holds rich meaning and history for the Advent season. While traditionally purple and pink, candles can take on a variety of colors and decorative elements. Churches and families can tailor wreaths to their tastes, traditions, and contexts. Most importantly, the wreath serves as a visual tool turning hearts and minds toward the birth of Jesus at Christmas.
