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• The Advent wreath is a common tradition among Christians celebrating the liturgical holiday of Advent. Advent wreaths are typically circular, with four candles representing each of the Sundays leading up to Christmas. Traditionally, three of the candles are purple or blue, and a fourth is rose-colored. Each Sunday during the Advent period, a candle is lit to mark the passage of time before the birth of Jesus.Catholic Education: The History of the Advent Wreath

• Fast Facts

  1. Advent begins on the Sunday nearest to November 30
  2. Advent 2009: November 29
  3. Advent wreaths are typically circular and made of evergreensCatholic Education: The History of the Advent Wreath
  4. Circular shape of the wreath represents everlasting lifeChristmas & Advent 2008: The Advent Wreath
  5. Four candles traditionally adorn the wreath: three purple candles and a pink or rose-colored candleCatholic Education: The History of the Advent Wreath
  6. Purple candles are lit on the first, second and fourth Sunday of AdventCatholic Education: The History of the Advent Wreath
  7. Rose-colored candle is lit on the third Sunday to mark the midpoint of AdventCatholic Education: The History of the Advent Wreath
  8. Many Christian families light the Advent wreath just prior to meals and follow with a special Advent prayerCatholic Education: The History of the Advent Wreath
  9. Advent wreaths are believed to have originated in Germany and ScandinaviaAmerican Catholic: Advent FAQs
  10. Originally used during winter solstice celebrationsAmerican Catholic: Advent FAQs
  11. Advent wreaths can be homemade or purchased

• Advent Wreath Blessing

  "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. Amen."Christmas & Advent 2008: The Advent Wreath

• Related Pages on Mahalo

  Advent | Advent Symbols | Advent Candles | Christmas History | Christmas Wreaths | Advent Songs | Advent Calendars | Wooden Advent Calendars | How to Make an Advent Calendar | Advent Lesson Plans | Advent Prayers, Liturgies, Readings, Poems and Devotions

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