The Ancient Origins of the Advent Wreath & Its Profound Symbolic Meaning
Advent began on Sunday, December 1.
You likely know that a wreath with four candles represents the Advent season.
But how did this tradition originate and what does each candle symbolize?
Advent wreaths are usually made of leaves and feature four candles, each symbolizing one of the four weeks. Three of these candles are purple and one is pink.
Purple candles signify prayer, penance, and preparation for Christ's coming. In the past, Advent was called a "little Lent," which explains the color purple, associated with repentance.
As Lent prepares Christians for Christ's resurrection at Easter, Advent serves as a time of preparation for both Christ's birth at Christmas and, in the first two weeks, reflects on His future coming.
The pink candle is lit on the Third Sunday of Advent, or "Gaudete Sunday." On this day, the priest wears pink vestments during Mass. Gaudete Sunday is a celebration of joy, as it marks the halfway point of Advent and brings the faithful closer to the anticipation of Christ's birth.
The circular shape of the Advent wreath represents eternity, symbolizing a state without beginning or end. This reflects the eternal nature of God, who exists outside of time.
The wreath's green color represents hope and vitality. It reflects Christ's presence and calls us to nurture a life of grace and spiritual growth.
The Origin of the Advent Wreath
The Advent wreath has its roots in an ancient European pagan custom, in which candles were lit during the winter months to invoke the return of the sun god, bringing light and warmth.
However, early Christian missionaries saw an opportunity to transform this practice into an evangelization tool. They led people to adopt the crown as a symbol of preparation for the birth of Christ, celebrating His nativity, and seeking His Divine light to illuminate their hearts and souls.