THE ADVENT WREATH

Information on the Advent Wreath taken from, Religious Customs in the Family, published by, Tan Books and Publishers, Inc.


THE ADVENT WREATH
This charming symbol connected with the season of Advent has not only found its way into America, but has of late been spreading so rapidly that it is already a cherished custom in many homes. People seem to welcome it with eager delight wherever they are introduced to this “new” custom. Actually, it is centuries old, although not as old as most other Christmas traditions.
The Advent wreath originated a few hundred years ago among the Lutheran population in Eastern Germany. It seems to have been suggested by one of the many light symbols which were used in folklore at the end of November and beginning of December. At that season of the year our pre-Christian forefathers began to celebrate the month of Yule (December) with the burning of lights and fires. The Christians in medieval times kept many of these light and fire symbols alive as popular traditions of ancient folklore.
In the sixteenth century, somebody conceived the fortunate inspiration of using such lights as a religious symbol of Advent in the houses of the faithful. This practice quickly spread among the Protestants of Eastern Germany and was soon accepted by Protestants
and Catholics in other parts of the country.
The Advent wreath is exactly what the word implies, a wreath of evergreens (yew or fir or laurel), made in various sizes. It is either suspended from the ceiling or placed on a table, usually in front of the family shrine.
Fastened to the wreath are four candles [three purple, one pink] standing upright, at equal distances. These candles represent the four weeks of Advent.
Daily at a certain time (usually in the evening), the family gathers for a short exercise of prayer. Every Sunday of Advent one more candle is lit until all four candles shed their cheerful light to announce the approaching birthday of the Lord. Before the prayer starts, all other lights are extinguished in the room and only the gentle glow of the live candles illuminates the darkness.
The Advent wreath has no direct connection with the liturgy of the Church. It is not a sacramental, the Ritual contains no special blessing for it, and the Church has never officially proclaimed its symbolism.
Catholic families may have the wreath blessed with a general blessing given by the priest if they so wish (Benedictio ad omnia). A special liturgical blessing could be given to the candles, since the Church provides such a blessing (Benedictio candelarum).
The traditional symbolism of the Advent wreath reminds the faithful of the Old Testament, when humanity was “sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death” (Luke 1:79); when the Prophets, illumined by God, announced the Redeemer; and when the hearts of good people stood in flame with the desire for the Messias. The wreath itself symbolizes the “fulfillment of time” in the coming of Christ and the glory of His birth. (The wreath is an ancient symbol of victory and glory.)
After some prayers, which are recited for the grace of a good and holy preparation for Christmas, the family sings one of the traditional Advent hymns or a song in honor of Mary. In some sections of Europe, it is customary that persons with the name of “John” or “Joan” have the first right to light the candles on the Advent wreath and the Christmas tree, because John the Evangelist starts his Gospel by calling Christ the “Light of the world,” and John the Baptist was the first one to see the light of Divinity shining about the Lord at His baptism in the Jordan.
It is hard to picture the wonderful memories which such a daily custom in Advent evokes in the hearts of those who enjoyed its inspiration in their childhood. Somehow these holy moments of prayer and prayerful song before the lights of the Advent wreath exert an influence in later life which seems out of proportion with the simple ceremony.* Actually, it is not, of course; for to this practice of family prayer with its beautiful symbolism apply the words of Christ: “For where there are two or three gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matt. 18:20). You had Christ in your home when you were a child. This is the brilliant truth that makes such a simple tradition so meaningful.

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*It is now customary for the candles to be lit thus: first week (one purple candle)-by youngest child; second week (the first purple candle plus another purple candle)-by oldest child; third week (first two purple candles plus the pink candle)-by the mother; fourth week (all four candles)-by the father. The Advent wreath prayer for the week is the Collect or Prayer from the Sunday’s Mass. This can simply be followed by the grace before the evening meal. See Appendix 2.-Publisher, 1998.


-Appendix 2-
(Added by the Publisher, 1998.)
Father: Our help is in the name of the Lord.
All: Who hath made Heaven and earth.
Father: Let us pray. O God, by Whose word all things are sanctified, pour forth Thy blessing upon this wreath, and grant that we who use it may prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ and may receive from Thee abundant graces. Through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
He then sprinkles the wreath with holy water.
The following prayers are said during each week before the evening meal.
THE FIRST WEEK
The first purple candle is lighted by the youngest child and left burning during the evening meal.
Father: O Lord, stir up Thy power, we beg Thee, and come, that by Thy protection we may deserve to be rescued from the threatening dangers of our sins and be saved by Thy deliverance. Through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
THE SECOND WEEK
The first and second purple candles are lighted by the oldest child during this week.
Father: O Lord, stir up our hearts that we may prepare the ways of Thine only begotten Son, that through His coming we may be made worthy to serve Thee with purified minds. Through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
THE THIRD WEEK
The first two purple candles and the pink candle are lighted by the mother during this week.
Father: O Lord, we beseech Thee, incline Thine ear to our prayers and enlighten the darkness of our minds by the grace of Thy visitation. Through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
THE FOURTH WEEK
All four candles are lighted by the father during this week.
Father: O Lord, we beseech Thee, stir up Thy power and come; and with great might deliver us, that with the help of Thy grace, Thy merciful forgiveness may hasten what our sins impede. Through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.