As Advent 2023 begins, here are the origins of the Advent wreath tradition, including the symbolism behind the number and color of candles each week.

That being said, each candle represents one aspect of Advent and is lit to symbolize Jesus bringing light into the world. Here is how the Advent wreath is used by the major religions.

Within the wreath’s branches, four candles representing the four weeks of Advent are inserted, with one lit on each of the four Sundays before Christmas.

A special form of wreath is the Advent Wreath, lit each evening by a designated member of the family. The wreath is very simple in design and readily assembled.

Priests or ministers light Advent wreaths during the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. One candle is lit the first week, two the second week and so on until all four are lit just before Christmas.

However, the origins of the Advent wreath are mysterious. The Pre-Christian German peoples lit candles on wreaths during the coldest and dark December days as a sign of hope in order to pray for ...

When we “switch” from Advent to Christmas, this candle alone on the wreath is lit, whereas, beforehand in Advent, it’s not yet lit. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

Prva adventska nedjelja (or Advent Sunday) is the fourth Sunday before Christmas, and the first of four candles in the Advent wreath is lit.

That being said, each candle represents one aspect of Advent and is lit to symbolize Jesus bringing light into the world. Here is how the Advent wreath is used by the major religions.