How to Explain Advent Wreaths to Kids

The Advent wreath is full of symbolism.

The Advent wreath can be seen in both homes and churches in the run-up to Christmas. The Advent wreath is religiously symbolic and is different from the Advent calendar, which helps kids count down to Christmas Day. However, what the wreath symbolizes is straightforward and can be explained easily to even the youngest of children.

Instructions

1. The round shape of the wreath represents the circle of life. It is a way of showing that no matter what life goes on in a cycle like flowers that come up in the spring, bloom in the summer, die off in the fall, rest through the winter and come up again the following spring.

2. The greenery that covers the wreath is a sign of everlasting life. Even in the middle of winter, in the darkest of times, something is living and thriving.

3. There are four candles on the wreath; three are usually purple and one is pink. The first purple candle is lit on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and represents hope. The following Sunday another purple candle is lit to represent love. On the second Sunday before Christmas the final purple candle is lit for joy, and on the final Sunday before Christmas the pink candle is lit as a prayer for peace.

4. On Christmas Day a final candle is introduced into the wreath. It is usually white and set in the middle of the wreath and is a celebration of the birth of Jesus.

References

• History of the Advent Wreath