Why are there 3 purple candles and 1 pink?
The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent, and one candle is lit each Sunday. Three of the candles are purple because the color violet is a liturgical color that signifies a time of prayer, penance, and sacrifice. It is called the “Shepard’s Candle,” and is pink because rose is a liturgical color for joy.
What candles do you light on Advent wreath?
Light the Appropriate Number of Candles In the second week of Advent, light two purple candles. In the third week of Advent (beginning with Gaudete Sunday), light two purple candles and one rose candle. In the fourth week, light all four candles.
How many candles are on an Advent wreath?
Updated November 13, 2017. The Advent wreath is a popular custom that originated in Germany in the 16th century. It consists of an evergreen wreath and four candles (traditionally, three purple candles and one rose one). The candles are lit every night during Advent—one candle the first week, then an additional candle for each successive week.
What is an Advent wreath and what does it represent?
The Advent wreath, or Advent crown, is a Christian tradition that symbolizes the passage of the four weeks of Advent in the liturgical calendar of the Western church. It is traditionally a Lutheran practice, although it has spread to many other Christian denominations. It is an evergreen wreath with four candles, sometimes with a fifth, white candle in the center. Beginning with the First Sunday of Advent, the lighting of a candle can be accompanied by a Bible reading, devotional time and prayer
What are the names of the candles in the Advent wreath?
Traditionally, there are three violet candles and one rose colored candle. The first candle of the Advent Wreath, the Prophecy Candle or Candle of Hope, is purple. The second, called the Bethlehem Candle or the Candle of Preparation, is also purple. The third candle is lit for Gaudete Sunday . Pink or rose represents joy.
What are the symbols in the Advent wreath?
The symbolism of the Advent wreath is beautiful. The wreath is made of various evergreens, signifying continuous life. Even these evergreens have a traditional meaning which can be adapted to our faith: The laurel signifies victory over persecution and suffering; pine, holly, and yew, immortality; and cedar,…