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2025-02-18T05:04:39Z

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	[[Category:Christian symbols]]		[[Category:Christian symbols]]
	[[Category:Christmas traditions]]		[[Category:Christmas traditions]]
			<gallery>
			File:Adventwreath.jpg\|Advent wreath
			File:Wichern_Adventskranz_originated_from_Germany.jpg\|Wichern Advent wreath originated from Germany
			File:AdventCandles.jpg\|Advent candles
			File:Kerstkrans.jpg\|Advent wreath
			File:AdventWreathLit.jpg\|Advent wreath lit
			File:Advent_9999_17u.JPG\|Advent wreath
			</gallery>

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2025-02-11T22:00:52Z

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{{Short description|A Christian tradition symbolizing the passage of the four weeks of Advent}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}

The '''Advent wreath''' is a Christian tradition that symbolizes the passage of the four weeks of [[Advent]] in the liturgical calendar of the [[Western Church]]. It is typically a horizontal evergreen wreath with four candles, sometimes with a fifth, white candle in the center.

==History==
The Advent wreath originated in [[Germany]] in the 19th century. The custom is attributed to [[Johann Hinrich Wichern]], a Protestant pastor in [[Hamburg]]. Wichern created a large wooden ring with 24 small red and four large white candles. The red candles were lit on weekdays, and the white candles on Sundays.

==Symbolism==
The circular shape of the wreath represents eternity and the everlasting life found in [[Christ]]. The evergreen branches symbolize hope and renewal. Each candle on the wreath has its own significance:

* The first candle, often called the "Prophet's Candle," symbolizes hope.
* The second candle, the "Bethlehem Candle," represents faith.
* The third candle, the "Shepherd's Candle," signifies joy and is often pink.
* The fourth candle, the "Angel's Candle," symbolizes peace.

In some traditions, a fifth candle, the "Christ Candle," is placed in the center and lit on [[Christmas Day]].

==Usage==
The Advent wreath is used in both [[church]]es and homes. Each Sunday during Advent, a new candle is lit, accompanied by prayers and readings from the [[Bible]]. The lighting of the candles is often accompanied by the singing of [[Advent hymns]].

==Variations==
While the traditional Advent wreath is made of evergreen branches, variations exist. Some wreaths are made of other materials, such as wood or metal, and may include decorations like [[holly]], [[pine cones]], or [[ribbons]].

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Adventwreath.jpg|A traditional Advent wreath with four candles.
File:Wichern_Adventskranz_originated_from_Germany.jpg|The original Advent wreath created by Johann Hinrich Wichern.
File:AdventCandles.jpg|Advent candles in a church setting.
File:Kerstkrans.jpg|A decorative Advent wreath.
File:AdventWreathLit.jpg|An Advent wreath with candles lit.
File:Advent_9999_17u.JPG|A modern interpretation of the Advent wreath.
</gallery>

==Related pages==
* [[Advent calendar]]
* [[Christmas traditions]]
* [[Liturgical year]]
* [[Christian symbolism]]

[[Category:Advent]]
[[Category:Christian symbols]]
[[Category:Christmas traditions]]

Advent wreath - Revision history

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Prab: CSV import