What is the Meaning of the Advent Wreath?
Advent wreaths are used by millions of Christians worldwide to mark the passing of the season of Advent and to symbolize the many ideas and hopes present in the celebration of the birth of Christ. Today the styles of Advent wreaths vary depending on the Christian denomination, but the meaning of the Advent wreath and its symbolism remain the same.
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History
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It is believed that the initial meaning of the Advent wreath evolved from the pagan tradition of using evergreens with candles in them in the dark winter days to signify the coming of spring and its light and warmth. Christians began to use Advent wreaths in the Middle Ages to show the light and love of God, evidenced by the coming of the birth of Christ at Christmas
Time Frame
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Advent wreaths mark the passage of Advent, which is comprised of the four weeks before Christmas. There are four candles on Advent wreaths to represent each of these four weeks and the 4,000 years between Adam and Eve and the birth of Christ.
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Features
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Traditionally, three of the candles on an Advent wreath are purple and one is pink. Purple is the customary penitent color of Advent and pink is the rejoicing color of the third Sunday of Advent when the season is halfway over.
The first purple candle is lit on the first Sunday of Advent, followed by the second purple candle the following week. The pink candle is lit on the third Sunday of Advent (also known as Gaudete Sunday) and the third purple candle on the last Sunday.
Significance
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The meaning of the Advent wreath involves the light and hope that will come with Christmas. The evergreens used in Advent wreaths represent how the coming of Christ brings everlasting life to human souls. The fact that the Advent wreath is circular also symbolizes this idea of immortality in Christ, with no beginning or end.
Considerations
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The meaning behind the lighting of a new candle on the Advent wreath each week symbolizes the anticipation of Christians awaiting Christ's birth and the salvation He will bring to believers. Light stands for hope.
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Resources
- Photo Credit erster advent image by edwood from Fotolia.com
