Advent began as a six week season of
preparation for baptism at Christmas, paralleling the Season of Lent. In the
Eastern Orthodox church, Advent is still six weeks. However, because the western
church viewed Christmas as a lesser festival than Easter, it shortened
Advent to four weeks in the sixth century. Yet it remains a little Lent in which
we reflect and prepare. While in recent times this meant preparing for the
Christmas festival, it should be a time of spiritual preparation as well, for
the indwelling of Christ in our lives in a new way.
Contrary to popular
belief, the idea of attaching specific meaning to the weeks of Advent (and thus
to the candles in the Advent wreath) is a fairly modern notion. Further, there
exists a variety of traditions for naming the weeks and candles:
However, from the beginning, the symbolism of the Advent candles lies first
and foremost in the circle of light that they create together. A weekly emphasis
that grows from the scripture readings is far more powerful than trying to make
the candles "fit" any particular scheme.
The colors of the vestments and banners used for the Sundays in Advent are blue
(to symbolize hope) or purple (to symbolize
repentance).
The tradition of the Advent wreath comes from
France or Germany. This is why it is often made of evergreen branches, a symbol
of God's ever lively love in the midst of the northern winter. However,
different climates and seasons invite different interpretations. There is no
reason why Advent wreaths cannot be made of symbols of life that are native to a
variety of landscapes. For example, rock plants or moss, lichen encrusted rocks,
succulents, or cacti set into florist foam or into a circular ring of potting
mixture would be just as meaningful and appropriate. This year, with the image
of deserts blooming and flowing with water (week three), a circle of four
cantles set in a pond or water could work.
Two traditional color schemes for Advent candles exist. One calls for three purple
and one pink candle with the pink
candle being lit on the third Sunday. This tradition carried over from Lent
since Advent itself began as a miniature version of Lent. On the fourth Sunday
of Lent, the Bishop of Rome would present a pink rose to people of high esteem.
The tradition continues in Advent and has taken on new meaning - the candle now
generally is thought to represent joy. Purple
is associated with repentance.
Some churches prefer blue candles which
traditionally symbolize hope. Both purple
and deep blue are colors symbolizing royalty
because the dyes to create them could only be afforded by the wealthiest people.
The Christ candle, which stands in the center of the wreath, is always white
and taller than the other candles.
The candles themselves do not represent anything other than light and the
anticipation of the birth of the Light of the world.
