ADVENT CANDLE Meaning and
Definition
-
An advent candle is a ceremonial candle that is used in Christian religious traditions to mark the four weeks leading up to Christmas. It is usually placed in an advent wreath, which consists of a circular arrangement of evergreen branches, symbolizing eternal life, and four candles, each representing one of the four Sundays of Advent. The advent candle is typically positioned in the center of the wreath.
The advent candle serves as a visual reminder of the anticipation and preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ. As each week of Advent passes, one additional candle is lit to symbolize the growing light and hope of the approaching Christmas season. The first candle is usually purple and signifies hope, the second candle is also purple and represents peace, the third candle is pink and symbolizes joy, and the fourth candle is purple to denote love.
In some traditions, a fifth candle, called the Christ candle, is also included in the wreath and is placed in the center. It is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to represent the arrival of Jesus as the light of the world.
The lighting of the advent candle(s) often forms part of a religious ceremony or family ritual, where prayers, readings, or songs are offered to reflect on the themes of Advent and the coming of Christ. It is a significant symbol of the Christian faith during the holiday season, helping believers spiritually prepare for the celebration of Christmas.
Etymology of ADVENT CANDLE
The word "advent" comes from the Latin word "adventus", meaning "coming" or "arrival". In Christianity, Advent refers to the period of preparation and anticipation leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ.
The term "advent candle" refers to the candles that are traditionally lit during the Advent season. These candles are typically arranged in an Advent wreath and represent the four weeks of Advent. Each candle is lit on a different week, with an additional candle often placed in the middle to symbolize the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day.
The use of Advent candles in the Christian tradition dates back to at least the Middle Ages. The exact etymology of the term "advent candle" specifically is unclear, as it is a combination of the word "advent" and "candle", which has its roots in Old English and Latin.
