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Advent Customs and Resources
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Do you know the meaning behind the Advent wreath
and other popular symbols and customs of Advent?
Here are some well known Advent symbols
and the meanings behind them.1. The Advent wreath is one of the most common and recognizable symbols of Advent.
- It is traditionally made by twisting evergreen branches into a circle
- 4 candles are inserted into the wreath
- The wreath has no visible beginning or end and reminds us of the complete and endless love of Jesus
- The evergreen branches are a symbol of hope
- Started as a domestic tradition that entered into churches in the twentieth century
2. The four candles in the wreath mark the four weeks of advent- Traditionally there are three purple candles and one rose (pink) candle
- Purple candles symbolize the prayer, penance, and charitable works done during Advent
- The Rose (pink) candles is lit on the third Sunday of Advent, Gaudate Sunday, to symbolize rejoicing.
- Gaudete means "rejoice" and marks the halfway point of Advent
- As the candles are lit, they symbolize the hope Christ brought into the world and remind us to prepare for Christ's coming at the end of time and every day
3. The Jesse Tree is named for Jesse the father of King David whose line can be traced to St. Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus.- Ornaments and symbols on the Jesse Tree tell of Jesus' ancestors and of the events that lead to Jesus' birth
- Each ornament represents a story from the Bible that shows how God guided humanity to prepare for the coming of the Messiah
4. An Advent house or Advent calendar show the passing of the days of the season.- Popular with children, they serve as a way to provide activities and reflections on the season to draw them deeper into the faith. December 24th is usually a scene of the Nativity.
- Used as a visual tool of preparation and patiently waiting for Christ to come into our lives.
5. The Giving Tree is a variation of the Jesse Tree that became popular in the late 20th century.- The custom has communities decorate a tree with tags indicating gifts for children in need at Christmas.
- Intended to remind Christians of the teaching of Jesus “what you do to the least of these, you do to me” (Mt. 25:40)
6. Nativity scene or Creche is used to commemorate the humble birth of Christ.- Created by St. Francis of Assisi in the 13th Century to emphasize the humility of the Savior of the World coming as a poor child.
- There are many different designs and themes used, including stone or wax figurines, as well as human and animal actors.
- Some families wait until Christmas Eve to place the figure of the baby Jesus in the manger
- In some countries, nativity scenes are built and can include castles, towers, houses, mountains, and entire villages surrounding the stable
- On the third Sunday of Advent, Italian children often bring the baby Jesus figure from their nativity scene to church to be blessed by their parish priest
