How did the Advent Wreath get started?

And when did it start being a part of the Liturgy or our Advent Worship celebrations?

Can anyone explain what the candles represent and why 3 purple and one pink?

Also, why is it that some wreaths also include the Christ Candle when others do not?

wondering?

nell

Hi Nell,

I found this site:

http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/...ion/re0132.html

It's a good article.

Blessings,

Great article, David! Thank you!

I have printed it off to share with our group at class and sharing at the first lighting of the candle soon.

I love Advent. Almost as much as I love Lent. Both bring us to a quietness and a truer sense of who and what we are as well as what we are becoming.

Blessings,

nell

Nell,

I put together a page about the Advent Wreath last year. I don't know if it answers every question, but here it is:

Advent Wreath Prayer and Scripture Readings

There is a brief history at the beginning.

God bless,
David

Thanks for asking the question, Sister Nell.
I just bought a Celtic knot with crosses Advent wreath and will do this as a family for the first time. Your questions and the Davidic answers were great. Thanks guys!
Have a great holiday season. ;)

Thanks to you too, St. Hilary!

This will help too.

You know, for so many years of seeing tha Advent Wreath and the lighting of the candles I cannot say that I remember any explainations of the why and wherefore or any ceremonies or prayers of any kind other than the inital blessing.

It just was.

But this year is different. Last year I helped this group get one made and we had our ceremony each week. The children did the lighting. And it was special because we were also at last in our new building which though not quite complete was ready for us to celebrate in beginning with Advent.

This year I am anticipating being a bit more confined to home myself and thinking about a ceremony with a wreath at home.

All this information will be helpful and hopefully extend our joy as we anticipate through this time of waiting and preparation the Celebration of Our Lord Incarnate and His birth at Bethlehem into our world.

Thank you again, David and David for the special help you are to us all.

blessings and prayers,

nell

ps: you're welcome Ken