Want to know everything about the advent wreath?
So we will try to tell you everything
Put in front of the stage in Christmas movies as decoration, on doors, hung on walls, flat or suspended, it is found everywhere. In its traditional form it is formed by branches of fir whose green color refers to hope, and symbolizes life.
This has changed a lot since the advent wreath is one of the typical Christmas decorations. Whether you buy it ready-made or decide to make it yourself, it always livens up your home.
Among Christians
Among Christians the Advent wreath announces the 4 weeks before Christmas, but this tradition is not so old, it would date from the 19th century created by a German pastor in Hamburg.
À la base la couronne de l’avent était composée de 24 bougies et de 4 plus grosses, la 1ère bougie représentait : le pardon, la 2ème : la foi, la 3ème : la joie, la 4ème : la paix et la justice, les 20 restantes complétaient le décompte jusqu’au 25 Décembre. De nos jours on a gardé les 4 plus grosses bougies que l’on allume les 4 dimanches antérieurs à Noël.
In some writings, the crown is mentioned from the 11th century onwards, but not as we know it.
Among Scandinavians
In Scandinavia, it is linked to the cycle of life by its shape and in pagan rites it is linked to the winter solstice and the return of light at Saint Lucy's Day, but that is another story.
We light the 1st candle at the 1 quarter on the first Sunday, then the 2nd candle at the half with the 1st on the 2nd Sunday then the 3rd with the two others until the 3/4 on the 3rd Sunday, and finally on the 4th Sunday we light them all.
Among Germanics
Our Swiss and German friends make their own wreaths and light a red candle preferably every Sunday before Christmas.
Once Christmas is over, the wreath must be thrown into the fire.
Finally, each country has its own tradition related to the lighting of the candles of the Advent wreath, and that's fine. You will have understood that the Advent wreath has nothing to do with the decorative Christmas wreaths. Although the latter is strongly inspired, they do not have the same symbolism. In both cases, it remains an opportunity to spend a moment to make your own advent wreath with your family or with the people you love.