Celebrating Advent :: Part 3

Advent Wreath

The advent wreath is a very ancient tradition, drawing on many cultures and customs. It is full of symbolism (which I won't go into here, but suffice it to say that no matter the religious background, circles are pretty much universally significant in human history).

There are a lot of ways to assemble an advent wreath. Religious supply stores sell small metal wreath forms with the candle holders already built in, which can then be filled out with greenery. You could use an actual evergreen wreath and place the candles around it. We have a wooden wreath form that can actually hang, although we just set it on the table along with a real wreath around it. As far as candles, the tradition is to use four red ones or three purple and one pink. (The pink one is lit on the third week.)

We are huge fans of candlelit dinners at our house (um, have you guessed?), and there's no more beautiful time of year than advent for this, as we're symbolically kindling light within ourselves as we await the "return of the light". There are the candles of the wreath, with a new one lit each week; our advent candle, which is a beeswax candle that we decorate with decorating wax every year on December 1; and plenty of other beautiful candles as well. We light each of the advent candles for the first time at a Sunday dinner, with a little prayer or blessing. (We use Christian advent prayers, but I know there are lots of other possibilities if that doesn't fit your family's needs.) Then we continue to light the appropriate candle(s) during each dinner for the rest of that week.

Another tradition with the advent wreath is to incorporate parts of the natural world into it. Traditionally, the first week is devoted to the earth and the mineral world. Many people place crystals and beautiful stones in the center of their wreaths during this time. In the second week, the plant world is incorporated. This would be a good week to add your evergreen wreath or branches if you haven't already. Pinecones, holly sprigs, and even red roses are also traditional additions. It's also one traditional time to put up and/or trim the tree. Representations of the animal world are added in the third week. Small figurines of animals are most common, but there are other creative options -- perhaps a dried starfish or some shells to remind us of the animals under the sea? Feathers to remind us of the birds? And so on. The fourth week adds the human world. Many people add the figures of Mary and Joseph to the center of the wreath, but any small representations of humans, their form or the work of their hands, would be appropriate. The purpose of this tradition is to incorporate archetypal representations of the natural world into the celebration of advent, not necessarily to create a very "realistic" scene, especially if your children are very small. Children's imaginations and comprehension of symbolism are much stronger than ours! ;)

There are several suggestions regarding constructing a wreath in All Year Round. Many of our family traditions surrounding the wreath are a blend of ideas from Mrs Sharp's Traditions, All Year Round, and our own religious backgrounds. 

Comments

[Dawn]

That sounds lovely.

[Dawn]

I don't know how you take such beautiful photos with candlelight- they're amazing. I was just working on pulling things together to make an advent wreath when I saw your post. Great ideas.

[Mary Beth]

Such great suggestions. I have very fond memories of the advent wreath and candles from childhood and lighting the candles each night and saying advent prayers. I just love it. You've definitely spurred me along to get this going again, even though my husband is not religious.

[Chelsea D. @ trillium mama]

Thank you Grace for all the information and history. I remember having advent calenders when I was little, but that tradition got lost along the years. I definitely want to start it back up again for my children.

[Mae]

I love candlelight. The peace it brings to a room. If there is one thing I do love about winter, it is the ability to have them more often! Thanks again for the Lent "refresher".

[Pippa]

Grace, just stumbled upon your beautiful blog, and I like you already!

Thank you for the Christmas ideas and especially telling about advent wreaths. I am completely inspired!

Love,
Pippa

[Birte]

I just found your blog. I LOVE your pictures, they really inspire me!

[Jade]

Okay, I LOVE that idea and would really like to make the stocking advent calendar. Thanks for the suggestions!

[misschris]

Thanks for reminding me of the beautiful tradition of the advent wreath. We had one as children, but stopped with it after a while. I think we'll try to incorporate it this year. XO C
ps - Lovely photos. Your children are so sweet.

[kristin]

the rolled beeswax candle photo is so beautiful.

[Bluebirdbaby]

This is my favorite of your three posts. I LOVE the advent wreath ideas and connecting it with nature. I couldn't articulate it when we were talking before, but I want traditions that are connected with Mother Earth and the natural world. Your idea helped me put my feelings into words. Thanks :)

[Tracy]

Beautiful post, Grace! We are looking forward to setting up the advent candles next weekend.

Can I ask - what kind of holders fit the rolled beeswax candles? We rolled some a month ago and I am not sure what they will fit in for safe burning!

[Anne]

I love these Advent posts. Do you remember where you purchased the wooden tree candle holder? Thanks.