The advent wreath is one of the most recognizable symbols of the Christmas season. But what does the shape of the wreath actually symbolize? Many people are familiar with the four candles that adorn the wreath, but few know the deeper meanings associated with its shape.
The circular shape of the advent wreath actually holds great significance. The continuous circle represents eternity and the unending love of God, while the wreath itself represents triumph and victory. As we prepare our hearts and minds during the advent season, the ritual of lighting each candle of the wreath takes on a deeper, more meaningful purpose.
The advent wreath serves as a reminder that even during the darkest times of the year, hope can always be found. Each candle that is lit throughout the season represents something different, such as hope, peace, joy, and love. By coming together to light these candles, we are reminded of the eternal hope and everlasting love that guide us through the Christmas season and beyond.
History and Origin of Advent Wreath
The practice of using an advent wreath to symbolize the coming of Christmas has its roots in the pre-Christian times when people used to light candles and fires during the winter solstice as a way to celebrate the return of light and warmth. With the emergence of Christianity, this tradition gradually evolved to reflect the four weeks of Advent leading up to Christmas.
The use of wreaths as a symbol of Advent dates back to the 16th century when German Lutherans fashioned wreaths from evergreen boughs in the shape of a circle. The circular shape was meant to represent eternity, and the use of evergreens symbolized the ability of Christ to bring everlasting life. The wreath would be adorned with candles, with each candle representing one of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas.
The Advent wreath became popularized in the 19th century when it was adopted by other Christian denominations, such as Catholics and Anglicans. Today, the Advent wreath is a common fixture in Christian households and churches worldwide.
Significance of Advent Season in Christianity
The Advent season is a special time of preparation and waiting for Christians around the world. This season represents the four weeks leading up to Christmas, where we anticipate and prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The word Advent comes from the Latin “adventus” which means “coming” or “arrival”. During this time, we focus on the themes of hope, joy, peace, and love as we prepare to celebrate the ultimate gift to humanity – Jesus.
What Does the Shape of the Advent Wreath Symbolize?
- Circular Shape: The circular shape of the Advent wreath symbolizes the eternity of God, with no beginning or end. It also represents our unending hope and love for God.
- Greenery: The greenery used in the wreath represents the newness of life and growth that comes from the hope we have in Christ. It also represents the everlasting life we find in Him.
- Four Candles: The four candles represent the four weeks leading up to Christmas and the four themes of Advent – hope, joy, peace, and love. The first candle is often purple, symbolizing hope. The second candle, also purple, represents peace and is lit on the second Sunday of Advent. The third candle, often pink, represents joy and is lit on the third Sunday. The fourth and final candle, also purple, represents love and is lit on the fourth Sunday before Christmas.
As each week of Advent passes, another candle is lit, and the light grows brighter as we approach the celebration of Christ’s birth. The use of candles also represents Jesus Christ as the light of the world, who came to bring light to those in darkness.
Overall, the shape of the Advent wreath and its candles hold deep symbolic meaning for Christians during the Advent season. It reminds us to prepare our hearts and minds as we await the celebration of the greatest gift – the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Other Symbols of Advent
Aside from the Advent wreath, there are other symbols that hold significance during the Advent season. The following are some examples:
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Stars | Symbolize the star of Bethlehem, which the Wisemen followed to find Jesus |
| Nativity Scene | Depicts the birth of Jesus Christ and is a reminder of the reason for the season |
| Angel | Symbolizes the announcement of Christ’s birth and the presence of God’s messengers |
These symbols, coupled with the Advent wreath, serve as visual reminders of the hope, joy, peace, and love that we find in Jesus Christ during this Advent season.
Shape and Structure of Advent Wreath
The Advent wreath is one of the most recognizable symbols of the Christmas season. It is a wreath made of evergreen branches, adorned with four candles, and typically displayed in churches and homes during the four weeks leading up to Christmas. But what is the significance of the shape and structure of the Advent wreath? Let’s explore.
The Shape of Advent Wreath
- The circle: The shape of the Advent wreath is circular, representing the eternal nature of God. It has neither a beginning nor an end and is symbolic of God’s unending love and mercy towards us.
- The evergreen branches: The evergreen branches used to construct the Advent wreath represent the everlasting life that Christ offers to us and the hope that we have in Him.
The Structure of Advent Wreath
The Advent wreath consists of a candleholder, typically made of metal or wood, and four candles placed at equal intervals around the wreath. Each candle represents one of the four weeks of Advent, and they are lit in sequence on each Sunday leading up to Christmas. But why four candles?
The number four has significant biblical symbolism, representing the cardinal directions (north, south, east, and west), the four seasons of the year, and the four gospels of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). Each candle is also given a specific theme:
| Week | Candle Name | Theme |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hope | The hope we have in Christ’s coming |
| 2 | Peace | The peace that Christ brings to our hearts |
| 3 | Joy | The joy of the angels who announced Christ’s birth |
| 4 | Love | The love of God shown through Christ’s birth and sacrifice |
The Advent wreath and its symbolism offer a beautiful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas during a season that is often marked by commercialism and consumerism. It is a tangible representation of the hope, peace, joy, and love that we have in Christ, and a powerful tool for focusing our hearts and minds on Him during this special time of year.
Symbolism of Four Candles in Advent Wreath
The Advent Wreath is a traditional Christian symbol of the upcoming Christmas season. It is usually made of evergreen branches arranged in a circle, making it a symbol of eternity. The wreath has four candles on it, and each candle represents one of the four weeks of Advent. Here’s a closer look at the symbolism of the four candles:
- The first candle: This candle symbolizes hope and represents the patriarchs, who eagerly awaited the coming of the Messiah.
- The second candle: This candle symbolizes love and represents the prophets, who foretold the coming of the Messiah.
- The third candle: This candle symbolizes joy and represents the shepherds, who rejoiced at the news of the Messiah’s birth.
- The fourth candle: This candle symbolizes peace and represents the angels, who announced the Messiah’s birth and proclaimed peace on earth.
The first candle is usually purple, representing penance and preparation. The second and third candles are also purple, representing royalty and the joyous anticipation of the coming of the Messiah. The fourth candle is pink or rose, representing the joy and anticipation of the upcoming Christmas celebration.
Together, the candles on the Advent Wreath form a circle, representing God’s infinite love and mercy. The four candles also represent the four seasons and the four directions of the compass, symbolizing the universal nature of Christ’s message and the unity of all people under God.
Conclusion
The Advent Wreath with its four candles is a powerful symbol of the Christian faith and the upcoming Christmas celebration. Its circle shape represents eternity, while the four candles and their colors represent hope, love, joy, and peace. This Christian tradition reminds us of the importance of preparing our hearts for the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
| Candle | Color | Symbolism |
|---|---|---|
| First Candle | Purple | Hope and preparation |
| Second Candle | Purple | Love and royalty |
| Third Candle | Purple | Joy and anticipation |
| Fourth Candle | Pink/Rose | Joy and celebration |
The Advent Wreath and its candles represent the universal nature of Christ’s message, symbolizing the unity of all people under God. Let us embrace the Advent season with faith, hope, love, and joy, and prepare our hearts for the coming of our Lord and Savior.
Liturgical Colors of Advent Wreath
The Advent wreath is a beloved tradition celebrated by millions of Christians around the world. It consists of a wreath made of evergreen branches with four candles placed around the circumference, and a fifth candle placed in the center. The wreath is a symbol of God’s never-ending love and the evergreen branches remind us of the eternal life in Jesus Christ. Each candle represents a different form of hope, peace, joy, and love.
The Number 5: Symbolism and Meaning
The number 5 has significant symbolism and meaning in Christianity, especially during the Advent season. It is believed to represent the five main virtues of a Christian: faith, hope, love, peace, and joy. The fifth candle in the Advent wreath represents the culmination of these virtues and is known as the Christ candle.
- Faith: This virtue is represented by the first candle, which is typically purple. It symbolizes the faith of the Patriarchs who believed in the coming of the Messiah.
- Hope: The second candle, also purple, represents hope and is lit on the second Sunday of Advent. It is a reminder of the prophecy spoken by Isaiah: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.”
- Joy: The third candle, known as the pink candle, represents joy and is lit on the third Sunday of Advent. It symbolizes the joy that filled the hearts of the shepherds as the angels proclaimed the birth of Jesus.
- Peace: The final purple candle represents peace. It is lit on the fourth Sunday of Advent and represents the peace that Christ brings to our lives.
- Love: The center candle, which is white, represents love and is lit on Christmas Eve. It represents the love of God for us, and the love that we should have for each other.
| Liturgical Color | Symbolism |
|---|---|
| Purple | Represents the seasons of Advent and Lent. It is a color of penance and preparation. |
| Pink | Represents joy and is seen as a hopeful glimmer in the midst of the penitential Advent season. |
| White | Represents purity, innocence, and the glory of God. It is used during Christmas, Easter, and other festive occasions in the liturgical calendar. |
| Red | Represents the fire of the Holy Spirit and is used on Pentecost, and during celebrations of martyrdom. |
| Green | Represents hope, life, and growth, and is used during the Ordinary Time of the liturgical calendar. |
Understanding the symbolism and meaning behind the shape and colors of the Advent wreath can deepen our appreciation of this time-honored tradition and enhance our understanding of the Christian faith’s key pillars of faith, hope, love, peace, and joy.
Materials Used in Making Advent Wreath
The Advent wreath is an important symbol of the holiday season. Traditionally, the wreath is made of evergreen branches, symbolizing eternal life, and is adorned with four candles, one for each Sunday leading up to Christmas. However, depending on the region, the materials used to make the Advent wreath may vary.
The Number 6: Symbolism in Materials Used
The number 6 has a special significance in the materials used to make the Advent wreath. The wreath is made up of 6 candles, evergreen branches, and other decorations. Each material represents a different symbol.
- Evergreen branches: The evergreen branches symbolize eternal life, as they remain green even during the winter months when other trees shed their leaves.
- Candles: The candles represent the light of Christ, which is said to have come into the world to dispel the darkness. The four candles represent the four Sundays of Advent, with one candle being lit each week.
- Red berries: Usually holly berries or cranberries are used to decorate the wreath. These berries symbolize the blood of Christ, shed during his crucifixion.
- Pine cones: Pine cones are often added to the wreath to represent new life and regeneration, as they contain the seeds for future trees.
- Ribbon: The ribbon used to tie the wreath together has various meanings, depending on the color. The most common colors are green (symbolizing growth), red (symbolizing love), and gold (symbolizing royalty and glory).
- Other decorations: Depending on the region, other decorations such as bells, angels, or ornaments may be added to the wreath to represent different symbols, such as the joy of the season or the presence of angels.
These materials are traditionally arranged in a circular shape to symbolize God’s unending love and mercy. The materials used in making the Advent wreath not only create a beautiful decoration, but also add to the spiritual significance of the holiday season.
Other Materials Used
While evergreen branches and candles are the most popular materials used in making the Advent wreath, there are other materials that can be used to create a unique and personal wreath.
Some alternative materials used to create wreaths include:
| Material | Symbolism |
|---|---|
| Dried Flowers | Symbolizing the beauty and impermanence of life |
| Pom Poms | Symbolizing warmth and coziness |
| Yarn | Symbolizing unity and interconnectedness |
Regardless of the materials used, the Advent wreath serves as a means of preparing for the celebration of Christmas, and a reminder of the spiritual significance of the holiday season.
Cultural Adaptations of Advent Wreath
The advent wreath has become an important symbol of Christmas for many cultures around the world. Each culture has its own unique adaptation of the advent wreath. Here are some examples:
- Germany: The advent wreath was invented in Germany in the 19th century and is traditionally made of fir or pine branches. Four candles are placed on the wreath, representing the four weeks of Advent. A fifth candle may be added in the center, representing Christ, which is lit on Christmas Eve.
- Sweden: In Sweden, the advent wreath is made with five or seven candles and is often decorated with moss, lingonberry branches, and red ribbons. Swedish families have a tradition of lighting the candles on Sunday evenings and singing Christmas carols.
- Poland: In Poland, the advent wreath is known as a “corona adwentowa” and is made of evergreen branches. Some Polish families add ornaments or fruit to the wreath. The lighting of the candles on the wreath is an important part of the Advent season, and some families light the candles at every meal throughout Advent.
One interesting cultural adaptation of the advent wreath is the significance of the number seven. In some cultures, the advent wreath has seven candles instead of four or five. The number seven has powerful symbolism in many religions and cultures. Here are some of the significant meanings of the number seven:
| Religion/Culture | Significance of Seven |
|---|---|
| Christianity | Seven represents completeness or perfection, as seen in the seven days of Creation in the Bible. |
| Hinduism | Seven is the number of heavenly beings called “sapta rishis,” or seven sages. |
| Islam | Seven is often associated with the number of heavens or levels of the Earth. |
| Judaism | Seven represents the number of days of the week and is also a symbol of completion. |
In some cultures, the seven candles on the advent wreath represent the seven virtues of a Christian life, such as wisdom, understanding, and love. The lighting of the candles each week leading up to Christmas symbolizes the gradual approach of the light of Christ into the world.
Whether your advent wreath has four, five, or seven candles, it is a powerful symbol of the Advent season and the coming of Christmas.
Different Styles of Advent Wreaths
Advent wreaths come in a variety of styles and designs, each with their own unique characteristics. Some are traditional while others are more modern, and some may feature different shapes, colors, or materials. In this article, we will explore various styles of advent wreaths, specifically focusing on the symbolism of their shape.
The Symbolism of the Shape of Advent Wreaths
The circular shape of the advent wreath is significant as it represents eternity and unending love. The wreath has no beginning or end, reminding us of God’s infinite love for us. Each individual candle also has a unique meaning and symbolism, but the overall circular shape is a constant reminder of the never-ending nature of God’s love.
Additionally, some advent wreaths may feature eight candles instead of the traditional four. The extra candles are often arranged in a different configuration, such as a star or a cross shape. The number eight has its own symbolism, representing new beginnings and resurrection. This is because in the Bible, Jesus rose from the dead on the eighth day, which was the beginning of a new creation.
- The first candle symbolizes hope
- The second candle symbolizes peace
- The third candle symbolizes joy
- The fourth candle symbolizes love
- The fifth candle (if used) symbolizes Christ
- The sixth candle (if used) symbolizes humility
- The seventh candle (if used) symbolizes purity
- The eighth candle (if used) symbolizes forgiveness
Styles of Advent Wreaths Featuring Eight Candles
Some unique styles of advent wreaths may feature eight candles arranged in different shapes or configurations. One popular configuration is the Star of Bethlehem, featuring four candles in a traditional arrangement and four candles arranged in a star shape. The star symbolizes the journey of the wise men to Bethlehem and their discovery of Christ.
Another style is the Cross Advent Wreath, featuring four candles arranged in a traditional manner and four candles arranged in a cross shape. The cross symbolizes the sacrifice that Jesus made for our sins and the forgiveness we receive through Him.
| Advent Wreath Style | Candle Arrangement | Symbolism |
|---|---|---|
| Star of Bethlehem | Traditional + Star Shape | Journey of wise men to Christ |
| Cross Advent Wreath | Traditional + Cross Shape | Jesus’ sacrifice and forgiveness |
No matter the style or shape, the advent wreath serves as a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas – Christ’s love and sacrifice for us. It represents hope, peace, joy, and love, as well as new beginnings and resurrection. By lighting the candles each week leading up to Christmas, we prepare and reflect on the coming of our Savior into the world.
Modern Interpretations of Advent Wreath
Despite its ancient origins, the advent wreath has a place in modern Christmas traditions. Many families and religious organizations have adopted new interpretations of the advent wreath, using different materials and designs to symbolize various aspects of the holiday season. One of the most interesting modern interpretations of the advent wreath revolves around the number 9.
The traditional advent wreath has four candles, one for each week of advent. However, some modern interpretations add a fifth candle in the center of the wreath. This fifth candle represents Christmas Day and is often white or gold in color to distinguish it from the four purple or blue candles. Additionally, another modern interpretation features nine candles in the wreath, instead of the traditional four or five.
- The number 9 is significant in many ways:
- It represents the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
- It represents the nine choirs of angels in Christian theology.
- It represents the nine months of pregnancy.
| Candle | Symbolism |
|---|---|
| First Candle | Hope |
| Second Candle | Peace |
| Third Candle | Joy |
| Fourth Candle | Love |
| Fifth Candle | Christ |
| Sixth Candle | Hope |
| Seventh Candle | Peace |
| Eighth Candle | Joy |
| Ninth Candle | Love |
This modern interpretation allows the advent wreath to incorporate a variety of spiritual meanings and symbols. It also creates a unique and visually striking centerpiece for holiday celebrations. However, it is important to remember that the most important aspect of the advent wreath is not the number of candles or the materials used, but the significance and meaning behind the tradition.
Advent Wreath Traditions Around the World
The Advent wreath is a popular Christian tradition that is observed around the world. It symbolizes the coming of Christ and the anticipation of His birth. The circular shape of the wreath represents eternity and the unending love of God, while the four candles symbolize hope, love, joy, and peace. As the candles are lit one by one, they serve as a reminder of the approaching joy of Christmas.
The Number 10
The use of ten candles in an Advent wreath is not common, but there are some traditions that incorporate this number. In the Philippines, for example, a special Advent wreath called “parol” is used. It is made up of ten candles and is shaped like a star. Each candle is lit on successive Sunday evenings during Advent, with the final two candles (representing Mary and Joseph) being lit on the day before Christmas Eve and on Christmas Eve, respectively.
- In some cultures, the number 10 symbolizes the Ten Commandments and serves as a reminder of God’s laws.
- Other traditions associate the number 10 with the Ten Virgins from the Bible, who waited for the arrival of the bridegroom.
- In certain parts of Europe, there is a tradition of lighting ten candles on a wreath on Christmas Eve.
While the number 10 is not a universal tradition in Advent wreath observances, it serves as a reminder of different aspects of the Christian faith. Regardless of the number of candles, the Advent wreath is a symbol of hope, love, joy, and peace, and a testament to the enduring faith of Christians around the world.
FAQs: What Does the Shape of the Advent Wreath Symbolize?
1. What is the shape of the advent wreath?
The advent wreath is typically designed in a circle shape, representing the continuity of life and the infinity of God’s love.
2. What do the four candles on the wreath represent?
Each of the four candles symbolizes an aspect of the Advent season: hope, love, joy, and peace.
3. Why are the candles on the wreath colored differently?
The colors of the candles hold different meanings. For example, the first candle is usually purple, representing hope, and the second candle is also purple and symbolizes love.
4. What is the significance of lighting the candles on the Advent wreath?
The lighting of the candles is a gradual preparation process for the coming of Christ and a way to keep track of time during the Advent season.
5. What is the origin of the Advent wreath tradition?
The tradition of the Advent wreath originated in Germany in the 16th century and has been adapted throughout the world.
6. How is the Advent wreath used in religious services?
During religious services, each candle is lit in sequence, and prayers are recited in observance of each week of Advent.
7. Can non-religious individuals use an Advent wreath?
Yes, the Advent wreath can be used by non-religious individuals as a way to observe the holiday season and to reflect on values such as hope, love, joy, and peace.
Closing Thoughts
Thank you for reading about what the shape of the Advent wreath symbolizes! This holiday tradition is steeped in meaning and religious significance, but it can also be adapted for personal reflection and meaningful observation for individuals of all backgrounds. Be sure to check back for more interesting articles and insights on all sorts of topics!