Originally published at Churchpop
Advent began on Sunday, December 1.
You likely know that a wreath with four candles represents the Advent season.
But how did this tradition originate and what does each candle symbolize?
Advent wreaths are usually made of leaves and feature four candles, each symbolizing one of the four weeks. Three of these candles are purple and one is pink.
Purple candles signify prayer, penance, and preparation for Christ’s coming. In the past, Advent was called a “little Lent,” which explains the color purple, associated with repentance.
As Lent prepares Christians for Christ’s resurrection at Easter, Advent serves as a time of preparation for both Christ’s birth at Christmas and, in the first two weeks, reflects on His future coming.
The pink candle is lit on the Third Sunday of Advent, or “Gaudete Sunday.” On this day, the priest wears pink vestments during Mass. Gaudete Sunday is a celebration of joy, as it marks the halfway point of Advent and brings the faithful closer to the anticipation of Christ’s birth.
The circular shape of the Advent wreath represents eternity, symbolizing a state without beginning or end. This reflects the eternal nature of God, who exists outside of time.
The wreath’s green color represents hope and vitality. It reflects
