Christmas is often synonymous with Advent. In each part of the world, Christmas is celebrated in different ways, or not at all. Technically, the word ‘Advent’ comes from the Latin ‘adventus,’ meaning ‘coming, approach, arrival.’ When we expect guests to arrive at our homes, we turn on the lights; we anticipate their arrival and welcome them with joy. The Advent wreath is a centuries-old Christian tradition that originated in Germany, according to experts.
The Advent wreath maintains a circular shape, usually made with green branches of pine or fir
Historians have suggested that pre-Christian Germanic peoples lit candles around wreaths during the dark winter months as a prelude to the warmer, brighter months of spring. The Advent wreath maintains a circular shape, usually made with green branches of pine or fir. Beyond this, the Advent wreath has become a key symbol of spiritual and festive preparation, present in both religious homes and secular settings that adopt its decorative function.
The fact is that these pieces not only serve an aesthetic purpose, but also represent continuity and eternity. The circular shape of the Advent wreath symbolizes God’s infinite love for Christians: “it has no end, like the true Light of the World, Jesus, who leads us to eternal life with Him,” according to the religion. The inclusion of four candles, placed equidistantly, reinforces the symbolism of the period leading up to Christmas. This tradition likely evolved into an ‘Advent wreath’ sometime during the Middle Ages, transforming a pagan tradition into a Christian one.
The tradition of Advent wreaths spread beyond Germany and reached other parts of the world
Today, there are many modern interpretations of Advent wreaths. Their presence in homes reflects a historical and cultural significance that combines the anticipation of Jesus’ birth with the intention of creating an atmosphere of family reflection. In this way, Christian communities and non-religious families alike find in this object an element that conveys unity, hope, and renewal. Over time, the tradition of Advent wreaths spread beyond Germany and reached other parts of the world, specifically throughout the Western Church.
In the Christian faith, the four Advent candles represent the four Sundays of Advent and symbolize hope, peace, joy, and love, respectively. The candles are typically purple and pink, while some traditions include a fifth white candle to be lit on Christmas Day. The gradual lighting of the candles, beginning on the first Sunday of Advent, symbolizes spiritual growth and the arrival of light, an act that fosters family unity each week. In some homes and parishes, a fifth candle is also lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to represent the birth of Jesus.
The green branches represent hope during the winter
Wreaths often include other decorative elements such as red ribbons, pinecones, or nuts, which enhance the symbolic representation of life and fertility. Regarding the lighting of candles, in the Christian faith, some families have different members light a candle each week and say a prayer. Meanwhile, the green branches represent hope during the winter, reinforcing the message that has sustained this tradition for centuries.
Ultimately, it’s a tradition that has been passed down through generations and, whether for religious reasons or not, has endured. Placing an Advent wreath on the front door or using it as decoration anywhere in the home has become a tradition that forms part of the Christmas spirit that pervades almost all of the Western world, even though it’s not as closely tied to Christianity today. Christmas is experienced as a time of joy, celebration, and family gatherings to give thanks for life, the past year, and to welcome the new one.