Advent wreath and its origins
appeared thanks to the idea of the evangelical pastor Johann Hinrich Wichern. He ran a shelter for orphans. One day he figured out how to make his center feel more family-like. On a large circle, 2 m in diameter, he lit a candle on the first Sunday of Advent. It was also intended to deepen the mood for prayer. The pupils lit subsequent, but smaller candles, one each day, and so on for the next few days until Christmas Eve. Eventually the number of candles was reduced to four, a number that is still practiced today.
Advent wreath – additional information
It turned out that the pastor’s idea quickly spread, especially among Evangelical and then Catholic families. In Poland, such an Advent wreath was handmade from live coniferous twigs. It was decorated with red ribbons and a candle was placed on it, and on each subsequent Advent Sunday, another one. The wreath made in this way was hung from the ceiling. Similar practices still take place today. Next, it is an Advent wreath in the shape of a circle with four candles mounted on it, although it is placed on the table and not hung. They are lit each Sunday of Advent during common prayers or meals. Only on Christmas Eve are they all lit.
An Advent wreath is a beautiful decoration and a symbol of the upcoming holidays. illustration photo/ NRuedisueli, iStock
What does a modern Advent wreath look like?
The wreath that can currently be found in Polish homes can be made very traditionally, but you can also find modern versions of it. In the classic version, it is a wreath of coniferous tree branches with four candles. Sometimes there are also red decorations in the form of bows, baubles, etc. More modern versions may be, for example, silver or white. But then there will also be four candles there.
Advent wreath – what is this decoration? How to make it look beautiful for as long as possible?
Despite the passage of time, you can still find an Advent wreath in many homes. What is this? This is a pre-Christmas decoration, which undoubtedly introduces a unique atmosphere and anticipation of the arrival of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It is also undoubtedly a decoration that can also be matched to the style of the interior in which it is located. It is usually made of real twigs, so to keep it looking fresh for as long as possible and not losing its needles, it is worth placing a damp floral sponge in its base, which will extend the life of the twigs.
What does an Advent wreath with candles mean?
In fact, the entire Advent wreath is made up of symbols, because each element has a meaning. The round shape, as in the case of ordinary decorative wreaths, signifies infinity. The branches of coniferous trees symbolize life and community. The number of candles reflects Advent Sundays, because these are four consecutive weeks, and they also have their own meaning:
- the first is a symbol of hope,
- second – peace,
- third – joy
- the last one – love (the red ribbons on the wreath have a similar meaning).
So, an Advent wreath with candles is not just a Christmas decoration.
Advent wreath – what does it mean?
In addition to the Christmas tree, nativity scene, Star of Bethlehem, etc. decorations, the Advent wreath also has its own symbolism. It’s worth knowing what it means, because it may be important when choosing which one to put on our table: the more classic or the more modern one. An Advent wreath is a decoration, but above all a symbol that is worth placing in your apartment before Christmas.
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Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
