What are Advent Wreaths?A circle of greenery, marked by four candles that represent the four Sundays of the season of Advent. An additional candle is lit as each new Sunday is celebrated in Advent. Advent wreaths are used both in churches and in homes for devotional purposes. The candles may be blue, purple, or lavender, depending on local custom. Some Advent wreaths include a white candle in the center known as the "Christ Candle," which is lit on Christmas Eve.
www.episcopalchurch.org/library/glossary/advent-wreath(from the Episcopal Dictionary) HistoryLong before the advent of Christianity, plants and trees that remained green all year had a special meaning for people in the winter. Just as people today decorate their homes during the festive season with pine, spruce, and fir trees, ancient peoples hung evergreen boughs over their doors and windows. In many countries it was believed that evergreens would keep away witches, ghosts, evil spirits, and illness.
www.history.com/topics/christmas/history-of-christmas-trees (click the link to read more and watch a video from the History Channel) For more informationAcitivitiesAdvent Wreaths to Cut & Color
This free downloadable activity contains templates and instructions, along with prayers for each week. Downloadable Images
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Advent Crafts & ActivitiesAdvent Wreath Outside ResourcesMake your own advent wreath at home (from Building Faith)
How to make and use an Advent wreath Light a Candle (from Candlepress) Purchase Supplies (for home or parish) |