Meaning of the Christmas Wreath: History, Advent Wreath and More!

One of the symbols of Christmas, the wreath, represents luck and is hung on the door as an invitation to the Christmas spirit. Because it is a tradition that has existed for many years, it is possible that there are other meanings for this ornament.

It is believed that the Garland can also be seen as the crown used by Jesus Christ when he was crucified, with the flowers representing the thorns and the red fruits, the drops of blood. In addition, it is made in the shape of a circle, as it refers to the movement of the solar system, which waits for a new cycle.

In this article, you can understand a little more about the symbology and history of the Christmas Wreath. Check out!

Although it looks like just an ornament of twigs and flowers, Garlands represent much more than that. The faithful, mainly, believe that they are full of meanings and that placing them at the door during the Christmas festivities will bring very positive results. To learn more about these ornaments and what they represent, keep reading the section below!

The tradition of using Garlands emerged in Rome, well before the birth of Jesus Christ. At that time, the Romans believed that giving someone a branch of a plant brought health. In addition, they had the custom of celebrating the solstice, a pagan festival, which also took place at the end of the year. At that time, they presented their friends and neighbors with wreaths made from freshly cut branches.

On the other hand, when the Christian Catholic Era began, people were slow to continue with the Wreaths on their doors and, consequently, the tradition was interrupted, for a long time. It was only in the Middle Ages that people started to leave garlands on their doors, all year round, as they believed that it could protect them against any evil.

Believers in superstitions, people believed that ivy, pine, holly and other plants offered protection against witches and demons in winter, as well as chaining bad luck. This was one of the reasons why they began to believe that green branches brought happiness and that the circular shape of the wreath represented hope, as it reminds us that life is a cycle of birth and death.

Catholics, in turn, believe that the wreath is part of the Advent celebration – a period that comprises the 4 Sundays preceding the birth of Christ – and that it works as a preparation of the soul for that time of year.

Every Sunday of this period, until Christmas Day, a candle must be lit, each of which has a different meaning. That’s why some elements make the crown a symbol full of meanings. Candlelight represents the light of God, which comes to fill our lives with blessings.

The idea of ​​lighting the candles came about because of the winter period in Europe, when sunlight almost didn’t appear.

The Advent Wreath has a circular shape, which symbolizes God’s eternity, and has no beginning or end. It is made of green branches and candles of the following colors: pink, purple, white and green.

The Advent Wreath is traditionally considered as ”the first announcement of Christmas”. It is in this atmosphere of ”arrival” that we experience one of the most significant liturgical moments of the Church, the birth of the baby Jesus. Next, check out more about the Advent Wreath and its ritual!

Usually, the Advent Wreath is made of green branches, on which 4 candles are placed: three purple and one pink. Green branches can be interspersed with a red ribbon. When ready, the Crown symbolizes and communicates that, in that church, house, office or wherever it is, live people who are preparing with joy to celebrate the coming of the baby Jesus into the world.

Because it is a tradition of many years, people tend to innovate and recreate the Advent Wreath, according to their belief. There are those, for example, who opt for the following ritual: 4 candles, one green (on the 1st Sunday), a purple one (on the 2nd), a red one and a white one (on the 3rd and 4th, respectively).

Candles serve to illuminate the Advent vigil, the preparation for the coming of light to the world. The light, in this case, is considered Jesus Christ. Furthermore, they communicate the joy of life that proceeds from God, who goes beyond the limits imposed by worldly reality.

Each of the candles has its own meaning for ritual and religion.

The purple candle, during the passage of Advent, indicates joy for the arrival of the Lord. Worn on the 2nd Sunday, it reveals that God’s arrival is getting closer and is a symbol of hope for the faithful. Interestingly, it can also symbolize the faith of Abraham and other patriarchs, to whom the Promised Land was announced.

The pink candle, in the Advent Wreath, represents the joy of King David, who symbolizes the Messiah, because he gathered, under his reign, all the peoples of Israel, just as Christ will do in himself, with all the children of God.

Therefore, the Sunday of joy is represented and this candle has a brighter color.

As is known, white represents peace and purity. The candle on the Advent Wreath could not represent anything else. In addition to showing purity, it also symbolizes the light of the Virgin Mary on the arrival of her son, Jesus Christ.

The green in the Advent Wreath represents hope, which is renewed with the coming of the Prince of Peace. In addition, it can represent the faith of the Patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, since they believed in the Promise of the Promised Land, the Canaan of the Hebrews. From there, the Savior, the Light of the World, would be born.

Although many years have passed, the Wreath tradition has not changed. It is common for people to place their wreaths at the door every Christmas.

Furthermore, what this Christmas ornament represents and means has also not changed. There is still a belief that he represents peace, prosperity and fresh start. If you believe in the power of wreaths, it would be a good idea to have one of these at home next Christmas.