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Advent/Christmas Trivia
The Advent Wreath
T he Advent Wreath we use in our churches and
homes originated in Northern Europe several
centuries ago and has a great wealth of meaning. It
the first half. The progressive lighting of the candles
(a new one every Sunday) symbolizes the re-living of
the expectation and hope of the period that preceded
is made up of several evergreens, which abound in the first coming of our Lord, as well as our constant
that part of the globe: laurel, pine, holly, yew and preparation for his second coming.
cedar, together with pine trees cones, nuts and Where the Advent Wreath is used in private
seedpods. In addition to the evergreens, the homes, a special prayer is recited by the head of
Advent Wreath includes also four candles: the family before the lighting of each new
three purple and one pink. candle, which is done by the youngest
Each of the components of the member of the family.
Wreath has a specific meaning. Its In some places, on Christmas
circular shape (without beginning or Eve, people light in the center of the
end) of evergreens signifies God’s Wreath a white candle which sym-
eternity as well as the new life bolizes Jesus Christ. A variation of
brought by Jesus Christ. The four this consists in adding to the four
candles represent the four weeks of colored candles with four white ones
Advent. Three of these candles are (representing Jesus) that will be lit for
purple to signify the preparatory sacrifices, the first time during the Midnight Mass, and
prayers, and good works undertaken in this then every day of the Christmas period. At this
period. The pink candle represents the rejoicing stage, obviously, the “Advent Wreath” has evolved into
that characterizes the Third Sunday of Advent since the the “Christmas Wreath” with its own specific meaning
preparation for Christmas has already gone beyond of “fulfillment” in place of expectation.
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