Every Sunday a different candle is lit in the Advent wreath, a tradition welcomed in the Catholic religion. Do you know what is its meaning behind?
On Sunday, November 28, 2021, Advent began, a time celebrated by believers which means the ‘waiting’ and ‘arrival’ of the Lord. Also, fixed as a preparation for Christmas, where Sunday to Sunday a candle is lit as a sign of wakefulness.
The Advent wreath candles are lit on all four Sundays along with a special prayer. These candles allow reflect to parishioners about “the darkness caused by sin that blinds man and alienates him from God.” After his “first fall” —symbolized as sin—, God gradually offers a hope of salvation that illuminates the entire universeas well as the crown candles.
The meaning of the colors of the candles that are lit for the advent wreaths
It should be noted that, depending on beliefs, it is common to see two groups of candle colors; both refer to liturgical tones:
The purple symbolizes the spirit of vigil, which is the foundation of Advent in preparation for the arrival of the child God.
The green it is a symbol of hope.
Red or pink it is placed for the joy of the soon birth of Jesus.
The target it is the color of God’s presence.
What does Advent mean for the Catholic Church?
This is the order of lighting the advent candles
Continuing with each of the meanings, the order of lighting the candles is usually as follows:
- Purple the first sunday.
- Verde the second Sunday.
- Red pink the third Sunday.
- White the fourth Sunday of Advent.
Other believers prefer to use three purple candles and one pink one. In addition, they add a fifth white candle. In that case, the order of each Sunday is followed with an explanation behind:
The mischievous elf and the advent calendar, among the Christmas traditions to do with children
The purple is turned on the first Sunday, as a symbol of hope. It is called the “candle of prophecy”, recalling the prophets who predicted the birth of Jesus. It is also lit the second sunday, but this represents faith and is known as the “candle of Bethlehem.”
On the other hand, pink is the third Sunday, symbolizing the joy of the coming of Jesus or the “candle of Shepard”.
Advent 2021: Importance of the Advent wreath and preparation for Christmas
It continues with purple on the fourth Sunday to keep in prayer and penance while awaiting the birth of Jesus. It is the “angel’s candle”, as a symbol of peace.
And finally, the white candle is lit, reserved for own Christmas Day, to illuminate the birth of Jesus in purity. It is known as the “candle of Christ.” (I)
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