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Advent candle

An Advent candle is a candle marked with the days of December up to Christmas Eve. It is typically used in a household rather than a church setting: each day in December the candle is burnt down a little more, to the mark for the day, to show the passing of the days leading up to Christmas.[1] As with reusable Advent calendars, some Advent candles start marking the days from 1 December, rather than the exact beginning of Advent. Some households will make a Christmas decoration out of sprigs of evergreen and Christmas ornaments, with the candle at its center; others will simply put it in a candlestick. It is usually burned at the family evening meal each day.

Advent candles are traditionally white, though other Christmas-themed colors have become popular. The custom of having an Advent candle seems to have started in Germany, where children traditionally insert a small candle into a decorated orange. This candle is called the Christingle.[2] It is now widespread in some other European countries such as the United Kingdom.

References

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Advent candle

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An Advent candle is one of the four candles traditionally placed on an in Christian observance, lit progressively each Sunday during the four weeks of Advent leading up to to symbolize the growing light of Christ amid the darkness of the world. These candles, often accompanied by an optional fifth white candle in the center representing Christ himself, are used in both church and home settings to foster spiritual preparation, reflection, and anticipation for the . The tradition of Advent candles traces its origins to 19th-century , where a Lutheran minister named Johann Hinrich Wichern adapted earlier medieval Christian practices by creating a with 20 small candles and four large ones to mark the days until , eventually simplifying to the four-candle format still used today. This custom, originating among Protestants, was later adopted by Catholic and other Christian traditions, incorporating evergreens like and to evoke eternal life and themes of amid winter. The circular shape of the itself underscores God's infinite and unending love, drawing from ancient symbols of while emphasizing the cyclical renewal of faith. Each of the four Advent candles carries distinct symbolic meaning tied to the themes of the season: the first, known as the Prophet's or Candle, represents hope in the coming Messiah foretold in scripture; the second, the Bethlehem Candle, signifies peace as preparation for Christ's arrival; the third, the Shepherd's Candle, embodies joy at the announcement of the Savior's birth; and the fourth, the Angel's Candle, symbolizes love through God's gift to humanity. During lighting ceremonies, families and congregations often recite prayers, read biblical passages, or sing hymns to meditate on these virtues, progressively illuminating more candles to reflect the intensifying light of salvation. Traditionally, the candles are colored with three in to denote , , and royal preparation for the King of Kings, while the third week's candle is or to highlight the joy of , a liturgical midpoint calling for rejoicing. Variations exist across denominations and regions, such as using all candles in some Protestant traditions to emphasize hope without penitential overtones, all white for purity, or even red in certain modern adaptations; additionally, some households light a daily for the 24 days of Advent rather than weekly. The optional central white Christ Candle is typically lit on or Day, completing the and shifting focus to celebration of the Nativity.

Introduction

Definition and Purpose

Advent candles consist of four specially designated candles, occasionally including a fifth central candle, employed during the Advent season in Western Christian liturgy. This season encompasses a four-week period of spiritual preparation for the Christ, emphasizing reflection, repentance, and anticipation. The primary purpose of the Advent candles is to symbolize the of Christ entering the , countering the darkness of and fostering growing through a weekly that marks the progression of the season. Each successive during or home devotions represents the intensifying expectation surrounding Christ's and ultimate return. These candles are integrated into the broader tradition of the , a circular arrangement of branches symbolizing eternal life and God's unending love, upon which the candles are positioned to evoke continuity and divine faithfulness. The word "Advent" originates from the Latin "adventus," meaning "coming" or "arrival," highlighting the liturgical focus on the arrival of Christ in history and .

Components of the Advent Wreath

The Advent wreath is typically constructed as a circular frame using branches, such as , , , or , which provide a sturdy base for holding the candles. These branches are arranged in a ring shape, often around 12 to 18 inches in diameter for home use, to accommodate the candles securely. At the four cardinal points of the , four taper-style are inserted, measuring approximately 8 to 12 inches in height and made from or for steady burning. The are traditionally three in and one in (also called ), with the positioned to align with the third week of Advent. An optional fifth , white in color, is placed in the center of the . These are designed to burn for about an hour when lit during devotions, ensuring safe and controlled use. Additional decorative elements, such as pinecones, berries, or ribbons—often in or seasonal hues—may be added to the evergreen base to enhance its appearance without obscuring the candles. The wreath itself is commonly placed on a table in homes or churches for visibility, though larger versions in settings are sometimes suspended from the ceiling using ribbons or chains.

History

Ancient Origins

Pre-Christian in , particularly in , observed customs dating back to at least the early centuries AD, using evergreens and lights to symbolize the return of warmth after winter's darkness. These rituals invoked deities associated with light, such as the Norse god , in hopes of turning the toward spring. As spread across from the 4th century onward, early church communities adapted these pagan light-bearing traditions to align with emerging Advent observances, emphasizing preparation for Christ's birth as the ultimate light overcoming spiritual darkness. Drawing from biblical imagery in :2—"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light"—these practices transformed solstice symbols into representations of divine hope, though formalized Advent as a liturgical season did not solidify until the . In the medieval period, monastic communities used candles during the Advent fast, a time of and vigilance lasting from late November to . Monasteries produced these candles using from their apiaries, favoring them over smoky for their cleaner burn and symbolic purity, which evoked Christ's as pure light. These candles illuminated nocturnal vigils and church services. Elements from Roman —such as wreaths worn or displayed to signify renewal—were incorporated into broader Christian winter celebrations of repentance and anticipation, laying a thematic foundation for later candle-lighting rituals without establishing the specific four-candle configuration.

Modern Development

The modern tradition of the Advent candle and wreath originated in 1839 with Johann Hinrich Wichern, a German Lutheran and founder of the Rauhes Haus mission school in , who designed an "Advent ring" to help children anticipate . This initial version consisted of a wooden cartwheel adorned with branches and 24 small red candles representing each day of Advent, plus four larger white candles for the Sundays, lit progressively in the school's prayer hall to mark the passage of time. By the early , the elaborate design was simplified to four candles—one for each of Advent—making it more practical for and church use, a change driven by evolving liturgical practices among both Protestant and Catholic communities in . This streamlined form gained widespread adoption in during the , particularly among Roman Catholics who had initially been cautious about the Protestant . The tradition then spread to English-speaking countries, including , in the 1930s through German immigrants and ecumenical exchanges that promoted shared Christian observances. Key developments in the mid-20th century further popularized the practice, particularly through the Liturgical Movement, with figures like Msgr. Martin Hellriegel and Therese Mueller promoting its use in parishes and homes, often with colored candles to match Advent vestments. Concurrently, commercial production boomed from the onward, with manufacturers offering pre-made wreaths and colored candles that standardized the tradition for households and parishes across denominations.

Symbolism

Liturgical Colors

The traditional color scheme for Advent candles on the consists of three violet (or ) candles, lit on the first, second, and fourth Sundays of Advent, which symbolize , preparation, and the royalty of Christ. The third candle is (or pink), lit on the third Sunday—known as —to signify joy and a temporary break from the season's austerity. Many Advent wreaths feature a fifth white candle in the center, lit on or Day to represent purity and the birth of Christ as the . The violet color's use in Advent traces back to ancient Roman influences, where dyes—derived from expensive sources like the shellfish—denoted imperial authority and mourning, qualities later adapted by the for penitential periods. By the 12th and 13th centuries, violet began replacing black for Advent in , as noted in early ordos and crusader-era practices, becoming standardized in the 13th–14th centuries to evoke both royalty and repentance. (r. 1198–1216) formalized a sequence of liturgical colors in his work De Sacro Altaris Mysterio, including violet for seasons of affliction like Advent. The rose color emerged in the 13th century specifically for (and in ), as authorized under Innocent III's guidelines, to symbolize rejoicing and linked to the papal blessing of the ""—a gilded ornament distributed on such occasions. In some non-Catholic traditions, such as certain Episcopal and Methodist practices, blue replaces violet to emphasize themes of and the heavens, avoiding purple's stronger ties to in penitential contexts.

Meanings of the Candles

The meanings of the four Advent candles, lit sequentially over the four of the season, draw from biblical narratives to emphasize spiritual themes of for Christ's arrival. These are commonly known by traditional names that reflect their scriptural ties, though associations can vary slightly across Christian traditions. The first candle, typically purple and called the Prophet's Candle, symbolizes or , evoking the promises of the as foretold by prophets like , who envisioned a born to bring redemption amid hardship. The second candle, also purple and often named the Candle, represents peace or preparation, connected to John the Baptist's ministry as the forerunner of Christ, where he called for to foster with and inner tranquility. The third candle, rose to signify a lighter tone and known as the Shepherd's Candle, embodies joy or rejoicing, focusing on the angels' announcement of the Savior's birth to the shepherds, as well as Mary's joy in the and her song of praise, the , which expresses profound heavenly joy in God's favor despite her humble circumstances. The fourth candle, purple once more and called the Angel's Candle, signifies , highlighting the angels' proclamation of God's and goodwill to humanity through the gift of Christ, as well as the devoted in the exemplified by Mary and Joseph's obedience to . An optional fifth candle, white and placed in the center, is the Christ candle, lit on or Day to symbolize Christ himself as the fulfillment of Advent's promises and the true light entering the world.

Usage

In Church Services

In church services, the Advent wreath is typically placed on the altar, , or a stand in the to ensure visibility for the congregation, serving as a central visual element during liturgical celebrations. The candles are lit by , acolytes, or designated ministers before the begins, with one additional ignited each of Advent to mark the progression of the . This lighting occurs during the gathering rite or prayers of penitence, often accompanied by scripture readings from books such as or Luke that emphasize themes of light and expectation. The ritual of lighting is enriched with specific prayers, including invocations from the in the final days of Advent—such as "O Wisdom" on December 17—and hymns like "," which underscore the anticipation of Christ's arrival. In Catholic Masses, the Advent wreath's blessing is approved only for the first Sunday, with lighting on subsequent Sundays occurring at the start of Mass using a simple method, in line with post-Vatican II liturgical guidelines that prioritize simplicity while allowing limited devotional elements. Similarly, Lutheran and Anglican feature standardized rubrics for the wreath, with prayers tailored to each week's theme, fostering an ecumenical expression of Advent observance across denominations. By the Fourth Sunday of Advent, all four candles are lit, and on , a central white Christ candle is often kindled to signify the fulfillment of the season's hope, with all candles remaining lit through the Christmas in some traditions. The wreath itself is typically extinguished and removed after Epiphany to conclude the Christmas cycle.

In Family and Home Practices

In family and home settings, the Advent wreath is typically placed as a centerpiece on the dinner table or mantel to serve as a focal point for household spiritual preparation during the season. Lighting begins on the of Advent, which falls in late or early , and often occurs during evening meals or prayers to integrate the practice into daily family routines. This setup allows families to create an intimate atmosphere of anticipation for , drawing inspiration from church traditions while adapting to personal schedules. Each lighting session incorporates readings, such as passages from of Luke recounting events like the or the , followed by short reflections on the theme of the week—such as , , , or love—and concluding with family prayers. Children frequently participate by taking turns lighting the candles, which fosters their engagement and helps instill the significance of Advent in a hands-on manner. These activities emphasize personal spiritual growth and family bonding, often led by parents to guide discussions on preparing one's heart for Christ's coming. The candles are relit cumulatively each week, with one additional candle ignited alongside the previous ones to symbolize the growing of Christ amid the darkness of the season, building a sense of progression and excitement over the four weeks. Sessions generally last 15-30 minutes, aligning with the time for a blessing, reading, and , ensuring the practice remains accessible without overwhelming family schedules. On or Day, the central Christ is lit to mark the . Many families enhance these practices with resources like printed Advent devotionals that provide weekly readings and prayers, or Advent calendars that track daily progress toward . Digital apps offering guided reflections and scripture are also popular for modern households, while some incorporate complementary elements such as hanging Jesse tree ornaments to recount history or performing small acts of charity tied to each week's theme.

Variations

Denominational Practices

In the , the features three purple candles symbolizing penance and preparation, with a () candle lit on the third () to denote joy. The wreath itself, composed of evergreen branches, is optional but widely encouraged in parishes, particularly in Germanic countries and , where the four candles are lit progressively each to evoke salvation history and the light of Christ. This practice aligns with the , ancient hymns sung during from December 17 to 23, which draw on prophecies to proclaim Christ's imminent arrival and enhance the liturgical preparation for . A fifth white , known as the Christ candle, is often placed in the center and lit during the to signify the fulfillment of Advent's hope. Among Protestant denominations, particularly Lutheran and Anglican traditions, churches emphasize a of themes—hope, , , and love—assigned to the four candles, which are lit cumulatively each to build anticipation. Colors typically include three purple or candles for and royalty, with a one for joy on the third , though some congregations use all candles throughout. In Anglican practice, the follows a similar with four outer candles (often , one ) and a central Christ candle lit on or Day, symbolizing as the light entering the world. In the , Advent—observed as the from November 15 to December 24—focuses primarily on fasting, repentance, and prayer rather than candle-lighting customs like the wreath, which has no traditional place in the . Preparatory practices emphasize the and veneration of icons to foster spiritual readiness for the , with lighting rituals centered on feast days such as the Presentation of Christ rather than weekly Advent progression. Wreath use remains rare, appearing only in Western Rite Orthodox communities or modern adaptations influenced by Western traditions. Evangelical and non-denominational churches approach Advent candles with flexibility, often incorporating blue candles to evoke heavenly hope and distinguish the season's joyful expectation from Lenten penance. This color choice, drawn from historical precedents like the Swedish Church and approved in resources such as the Evangelical Lutheran Church's 1978 hymnal, allows for creative integration into contemporary worship, including multimedia elements like video projections or themed services that emphasize personal reflection on Christ's coming.

Cultural and Contemporary Forms

In , Advent candles are integrated into the Las Posadas processions, a nine-night tradition from December 16 to 24 that reenacts Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem, where participants carry lit candles during evening pilgrimages from house to house seeking shelter. This custom, prominent in countries like , , and , blends the symbolic lighting of Advent wreaths at home with communal candle-bearing walks that culminate in prayers, piñatas, and feasting upon finding "inn" at the final home. In Scandinavian countries such as , Advent candles mark the four Sundays before , often placed in a simple holder or , and are complemented by the candle traditions of St. Lucia Day on , when a led by a girl wearing a crown of electric candles brings saffron buns and songs to homes and schools, symbolizing light amid winter darkness. This fusion highlights a cultural emphasis on progressive illumination during the Advent season, with families lighting one additional weekly alongside the communal Lucia event. Contemporary adaptations of Advent candles prioritize and , including battery-operated LED versions that mimic flickering flames without fire risks, ideal for households with children or pets. Eco-friendly options, such as those made from soy wax derived from renewable soybeans, offer cleaner burns with reduced and longer life compared to paraffin, appealing to environmentally conscious users. Digital apps further modernize the practice, allowing remote families to simulate weekly candle lightings through virtual wreaths on smartphones, complete with interactive flames and devotional prompts. Secular applications of Advent candles extend to interfaith and civic settings, where wreaths serve as neutral symbols of , , and seasonal in displays or workplaces, detached from explicit religious observance. Commercial products, including scented variants infused with notes like or , are marketed for general ambiance, appearing in retail advent calendars that emphasize festive countdowns over liturgical use. Inclusivity trends have led to multicultural adaptations of Advent wreaths in diverse households, incorporating gender-neutral designs and symbols from other traditions, such as Hanukkah's blue hues, Stars of David, or dreidels, to foster shared celebrations in interfaith families. These blended wreaths promote unity by combining bases with metallic accents or votives that evoke multiple winter festivals, allowing participants to light candles while honoring varied cultural heritages.

References

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