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Celtic & Irish Advent Wreaths
Mark | October 9, 2008
Although there’s still some time left until Christmas, now is a good time to think about Advent, particularly if you’d like an Advent wreath to mark and track this special time. Advent wreaths also make wonderful early Irish Christmas gifts. Advent begins on the Sunday which is four Sundays before Christmas, and the word comes yo us from the Latin term adventus, which means “coming”. Wikipedia tells us that Advent is “the period of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus, in other words, the period immediately before Christmas.”
Advent is traditionally marked by use of an Advent wreath. Again, Wikipedia offers the following:
Many churches make use of Advent wreaths during this season, with one candle representing each of the four Sundays preceding Christmas. The pink candle is lit on the Sunday before Christmas.
We have several beautiful Advent wreaths to choose from this year. On the first Sunday of Advent, try to gather everyone in your household together for the lighting of the first candle. Candles should be lit as follows:
First Sunday
A purple candle is lit, which symbolizes Hope.
Second Sunday
Two purple candles are lit, the second one symbolizing Love.
Third Sunday
Three purple candles are lit, the third one symbolizes Joy.
Fourth Sunday (Sunday immediately before Christmas)
The pink candle is lit, an addition to the three purple candles. The pink candle symbolizes Peace.
Christmas Day (Optional)
If your Advent wreath has a center white candle, it should be lit (along with all the others) on Christmas Day, symbolizing the arrival of Christmas.
Be sure to browse our Irish Christmas section to find the Advent wreath that’s right for you this Christmas season!
