The Increasing Popularity of Advent Wreaths

Advent wreaths are a popular choice for ChristianCatholic faith, is considered more joyous in anticipation
families as they prepare for the Christmas celebrationof the birth of Christ.
of the birth of Jesus. Candles are lit and prayers areA fifth white, larger candle is often used on Christmas
said on the four Sundays of Advent that precededay. This candle is placed in the center of the advent
Christmas day. Families welcome the opportunity towreath and is called the Christ candle. Many people
emphasize the true meaning of Christmas anduse four white candles after Christmas day until the
spirituality to their children to offset the overwhelmingfeast of the Epiphany on Jan. 6th which symbolizes
commercialism of the holiday season and to preparethe day the Magi or three wise men brought the gifts
for the coming of Christ on Christmas day.of gold, frankincense and myrrh to baby Jesus.
The custom of celebrating advent with the adventMany families make their own advent wreaths. Craft
wreath is said to have originated in Eastern Germanystores sell wreath rings and wire that can be uses to
as a Lutheran custom. The advent wreath was madeattach evergreens to the ring as well as the ribbon and
with evergreens. Evergreens live through the cold,candles needed. These same rings can be used to
winter months and signify strength and are alwaysmakeChristmas wreaths. Christian stores sell many
alive. The roundness of the wreath with no beginningtypes of advent wreaths from brass plated wreaths
or end signifies the circle of life. It also symbolizes Godto wreaths with artificial greenery. Fresh, fragrant
who is thought to be eternal with no beginning or end.balsam fir advent wreaths can be purchased online for
Advent is the four weeks before Christmas. Adventyour own use or as a meaningful gift for your loved
wreaths are traditionally used to celebrate on each ofones. Keep in mind if purchasing an advent wreath for
the four Sundays of Advent. Prayers and readings areyourself or others to make sure it arrives prior to the
said typically before Sunday dinner, or prior to everyfirst Sunday of advent which is December 2nd in
dinner during advent. A new candle is lit on each2007.
Sunday, one candle on the first Sunday, two on theLynn Jebbia is the owner of Acadia Wreath Company.
second, three on the third and all four candles are lit onAcadia Wreath Company, based in Bar Harbor, Maine,
the fourth Sunday. Catholics and Protestants usehandcrafts fresh Maine balsam fir Christmas wreaths,
purple candles for the first, second and fourth candles.Christmas Centerpieces and Kissing Balls which are
The third candle is rose and used on the third Sundayshipped directly to customers and corporate clients
as this day, called Gaudete Sunday in the Romanthroughout the United States.