The importance of the Advent wreath

The time waiting for Christmas is a magical time. For this reason, many traditions were created to make those days more unusual. One of them is the Advent wreath. What is its meaning?

The tradition of the Advent wreath

Most people associate waiting for Christmas with opening next „windows” of free Advent calendar. Many people even order a special, personalized free Advent calendar for kids, offered by Elfisanta.uk, to make the Advent time more happy for their loved ones. This is a good idea, but it is worth to know that the time waiting for the birth of Christ is also related to the tradition of the Advent wreath and each of us should to know the importance of the Advent wreath. The custom of lighting of an Advent wreath began in 16th century among Catholics and Lutherans in Germany. Initially, the Advent wreath focus on Christmas and with the passing of time there was became popular the importance of the Advent wreath as a symbol of Advent. The lighting of an Advent wreath is a part of the Advent services but many families cultivate that tradition also at home to deep their spiritual experiences during the prayer.

The appearance of the Advent wreath

The Advent wreath has a form of a circular garland made of evergreen branches. The most important elements are four or five candles which are light one at a time on each Sunday during the season of Advent. The importance of the Advent wreath based on meaning of the Advent Wreath Candles. Each of candles has its own symbolism. Candles have different colours – three are purple, one is pink and the last one in the center is white. Advent Wreath Candles as a whole symbolize the coming of the light of Christ into the world. One of the Catholic tradition says tha each of four candles symbolizes one thousand years and in total is four thousand years from the time of Adam and Eve – the first people on the world until the Savior’s birth.

The importance of Advent Wreath Candles

To get to know the importance of the Advent wreath, let's follow the meaning of each candle:

• Prophecy Candle – the purple candle lited on the first Sunday of Advent that is remembrance of the prophets who foretold the Christ’s birth (primarily Isaiah);
• Bethlehem Candle – the purple candle lited on the second Sunday of Advent that represents love and symbolizes the Christ’s manger;
• Shepherds Candle – the pink candle lited on the third Sunday of Advent that represents joy;
• Angels Candle – the purple candle lited on the fourth Sunday of Advent that symbolizes a peace;
• Christ Candle - the white candle in the center lited on Christmas Eve. Its colours symbolizes purity because of the Christ is a spotless, sinless and pure Savior.

It’s important to know the importance of Advent wreath. After the joyful time of Advent, it will come the time for joyful Christmas wishes. Do not forget that thanks to Elfisanta.uk you can surprise your loved ones by ordering a video from Santa or a letter from Santa.