History of the Advent Wreath

• Origin in 19th-century Germany: The tradition was founded by Protestant theologian Johann Hinrich Wichern in Hamburg in 1839. He wanted to show children how many days remained until Christmas. The Advent wreath, as a circle of time, was created from an old cartwheel with 23 candles. There were 19 small ones for weekdays and 4 large ones for Sundays.
• Symbolism of the evergreen circle: The green circle stands for eternity. It shows the endless cycle of life. It also symbolizes the hope of rebirth.
• Spread across Europe: Over time, the tradition entered Catholic churches and households. In the Czech lands, Advent wreaths appeared in the 20th century.

The Advent wreath as a circle of time
The wreath is more than a decoration. It is not just for the table or door. It is a circle of time. This circle opens with the lighting of each candle. The green wreath reminds us that life is cyclical: after winter comes spring, after darkness comes light.

Candles as stages of the inner journey

• First candle – hope.
• Second candle – peace.
• Third candle – joy (pink, “Gaudete”).
• Fourth candle – love.
  In some traditions, a fifth white candle – the Christ candle – is lit on Christmas Eve.

The wreath as a family ritual
Lighting each candle is an opportunity to gather and pause. The wreath becomes the living center of the home, around which the story of waiting unfolds.

The Advent wreath as a metaphor
It beautifully symbolizes human life, representing the cyclical nature of our experiences. Each candle’s flicker signifies a moment of hope and reflection, inviting us to embrace the journey of anticipation. It reminds us that waiting is not a void; rather, it is an active process filled with potential and promise. Instead, waiting for Christmas is a vibrant space for transformation. It allows us to grow. We can discover deeper meanings in our relationships. We can also find deeper meanings in ourselves. The colored candles illuminate our path, encouraging us to cherish the moment while looking ahead. It sets the stage for exciting new beginnings. We prepare not only for the holiday season but for the reawakening of our spirits. We can rekindle connections, appreciate the beauty of new experiences that await us on the horizon.