The Advent wreath is a Christian tradition that is used to count down the four Sundays preceding Christmas. It consists of a ring of foliage, typically evergreen, with four candles spaced equidistant around the ring. One candle is lit on the first Sunday of Advent, two on the second, three on the third, and all four on the fourth Sunday. The circular shape and evergreen materials carry symbolic meaning relating to eternal life and the coming of Christ.
The Circular Shape
The Advent wreath is always round or circular in shape. This shape holds significance in Christian theology. Circles have no beginning or end and thus symbolize concepts like eternity, infinitude, and the eternal nature of God. The circular form is meant to represent God’s infinite love and mercy which know no bounds.
The circle also signifies coming full circle back to God, emphasizing repentance during Advent as believers prepare their hearts for Christ’s coming. As such, the circular wreath perfectly embodies major Advent themes like anticipation, preparation, eternal life, and God’s redeeming love shown through Jesus.
Origins of the Circular Form
The circular shape has long been invested with symbolic meaning across cultures and faith traditions. Here are some examples:
The Halo
In Christian art, holy figures are often depicted with a halo or nimbus – a circular glow around their heads. This signifies the light of sanctity and being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Pagan Wreaths
Wreaths were a common symbol in pre-Christian Europe, used to celebrate winter solstice festivals and the anticipation of longer days and the coming spring. Evergreen wreaths represented life and rebirth.
The Aureole
Similar to the halo, the aureole is a divine aura or glow depicted in circular form around holy figures in Christian, Buddhist, and Hindu art. It signifies enlightenment and spiritual power.
| Culture | Circular Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Christianity | Halo | Divinity, sanctity |
| Paganism | Wreaths | Eternal life, rebirth |
| Buddhism | Aureole | Enlightenment |
Symbolism in Materials
In addition to its circular shape, the materials used to construct an Advent wreath hold symbolic meaning relating to the Advent themes of renewal and salvation.
Evergreens
Advent wreaths are typically made using evergreen boughs and foliage, such as spruce, pine, holly, and ivy. Evergreens represent enduring life and hope. As other plants wither and die during winter, evergreens endure, just as faith and anticipation of Christ’s birth endures through difficult times. The evergreen branches used point towards Christ’s promise of eternal life.
Candles
Candles give light in darkness, representing the light of Christ entering a darkened world. The growing light as candles are added each week signifies the approach of Christ’s birth, dispelling darkness and bringing salvation. The circular arrangement echoes God’s infinite love encircling humanity.
The candles provide both physical and symbolic light as we spiritually prepare for Christ’s coming during Advent. The flames represent the Holy Spirit’s kindling of faith within believers’ hearts.
Early History
The exact origins of the Advent wreath are uncertain, but evidence suggests German Lutherans were using wreathes with candles as early as the 16th century. The wreath may have descended from the “light crown” used in Scandinavia in winter solstice celebrations. Lutherans adopted this tradition for Advent and infused it with Christian meaning.
Specific early examples include a 16th century painting by German artist Johannes Hildebrandt depicting a family praying around a candle wreath and a 1839 poem by German pastor Johann Hinrich Wichern describing a wreath with 23 candles (4 large and 19 small).
Modern Advent Wreath Traditions
Over time, the modern tradition developed into its current form – a ring of evergreen with 3 purple and 1 pink candle, though some wreaths use 4 red or white candles. The lighting ritual also became standardized:
First Sunday
One purple candle is lit
Second Sunday
The first purple candle is relit and a second is lit
Third Sunday
The first two purple candles are relit and a third is lit
Fourth Sunday
All candles are relit including the pink candle
Other modern traditions include:
– A white center candle lit on Christmas Eve or Day to represent Christ
– A devotional prayer or reading each week during the lighting
– Hanging a wreath on the front door of one’s home
– Making Advent wreaths with children as a hands-on holiday activity
The wreath serves as a meaningful way to keep the spiritual significance of the season close at hand amid the busyness of holiday routines.
Significance of the Colors
The traditional Advent wreath uses purple and pink candles. The purple candles match the purple paraments used in churches throughout Advent. This color holds two meanings:
Penitence
Purple represents penitence and repentance as believers examine their lives and hearts, repenting in preparation for Christ’s coming.
Royalty
Purple also signifies the royalty of Jesus Christ, the coming King foretold in the Old Testament. The color reminds us that the infant in the manger is God incarnate, here to set up His divine kingdom.
The lighter pink candle introduced on the third Sunday provides a visual break from the penitential purple of the other weeks. Pink represents joy, reminding us that the Advent season is a joyous one despite its solemn nature. The joy candle helps prevent Advent from becoming too somber as we anticipate the joyous celebration soon to come.
The Advent Wreath in Worship Services
The Advent wreath commonly appears in church sanctuaries and services during the Advent season. The wreath and lighting ritual provide a visual focal point for congregations to anticipate Christmas together through communal participation.
Here are some ways the wreath may be incorporated into worship:
Weekly Candle Lighting
At the start of services on each Sunday of Advent, the appropriate candles are lit by clergy, volunteers, or families. Short devotional readings or prayers may accompany the lighting.
Wreath as Sermon Illustration
Preachers may point to the wreath and candle motif during sermons to illustrate themes of light, preparing for Christ, or God’s encircling love.
Music Incorporation
Seasonal hymns or choral pieces may be chosen to match the “theme” of each week according to the candle color. Songs may even be written about the Advent wreath specifically.
Children’s Object Lesson
Pastors may engage directly with younger children about the wreath, teaching about Advent in an interactive way. Kids may be invited to help light the candles each week.
Making an Advent Wreath at Home
Those who want to establish a family Advent tradition can easily make a wreath at home. Here are some simple steps:
Obtain a wreath form
Use a pre-made Styrofoam ring, a wire frame, or create a circular wreath form by hand with pliable branches.
Gather greenery
Collect poking evergreen branches and foliage, or purchase bags of mixed greenery from craft stores. Popular types include cedar, pine, holly, laurel, and magnolia.
Affix greenery
Attach bundles of greenery around the wreath form using florist picks, wire, or hot glue. Fill out the form until lush and full.
Add candles
Place 4 candles equidistant around the ring, affixing with hot glue or specially made candle holders. Choose taper or pillar style in desired colors.
Hang and decorate
Finish by hanging on door or wall with ribbon or hook. Decorate further with pinecones, berries, or Christmas ornaments if desired.
The circular evergreen Advent wreath serves as a meaningful centerpiece to mark the season of anticipation leading up to Christmas. The wreath connects Christians to important theological themes and the very origins of their faith. Its round shape reflects God’s infinity and unity. Come Christmas morning, the fully lit wreath provides a welcoming focal point in the celebration of Christ’s nativity.
Conclusion
The Advent wreath’s circular shape carries symbolic meaning about God’s eternal nature and infinite love. Its origins trace to pre-Christian solstice celebrations and early Lutheran practices, eventually evolving into the traditional four-candle Christian wreath. The wreath provides a visual marker for anticipating and preparing one’s heart for the coming of Christ, the Light of the World. Churches incorporate wreaths and candle rituals during Advent services to guide congregation’s reflections. Families can easily craft wreaths at home as they establish their own traditions. The wreath’s rich symbolism enriches the meaning of the season.