(From the book, A Year of the Lord in the Christian Home, by Fr. Francis X. Weiser, S.J.)
This charming symbol connected with the season
of Advent has not only found its way into America but has of late been spreading
so rapidly that it is already a cherished custom in many homes. People seem to
welcome it with eager delight wherever they are introduced to this “new”
custom. Actually, it is centuries old, although not as old as most other
Christmas traditions.
The Advent wreath
originated a few hundred years ago in Eastern Germany. It seems to have been
suggested by one of the many light symbols
which were used in folklore at the end of November and beginning of
December. At that season of the year our pre-Christian forefathers began to
celebrate the month of Yule (December) with the burning of lights and fires. The
Christians in medieval times kept many of these light and fire symbols alive as
popular traditions of ancient folklore.
In the sixteenth century
somebody conceived the fortunate inspiration of using such lights as a religious
symbol of Advent in the house of the faithful. This practice quickly spread
among the people of Eastern Germany and was soon accepted by Protestants and
Catholics in other parts of the country.
The Advent wreath is
exactly what the word implies, a wreath of evergreens (yew or fir or laurel);
made in various sizes. It is either suspended from the ceiling or placed on a
table, usually in front of the family shrine. Fastened to the wreath are four
candles standing upright, at equal distances. These candles represent the four
weeks of Advent.
Daily at a certain time
(usually in the evening), the family gather for a short exercise of prayer.
Every Sunday of Advent one more candle is lit until all four candles shed their
cheerful light to announce the approaching birthday of the Lord. Before the
prayer starts all the other lights are extinguished in the room, and only the
gentle glow of the live candles illuminates the darkness.
The Advent wreath has no
direct connection with the liturgy of the Church. It is not a sacramental, the
Ritual contains no special blessing for it, and the Church gas never officially
proclaimed its symbolism. However, an appropriate prayer may be said to obtain
God’s blessing upon the spiritual symbolism of the wreath. Also, a special
liturgical blessing could be given to the candles, since the Church provides
such a blessing (Benedictio candelarum), which is to be administered by a
priest.
The traditional
symbolism of the Advent wreath reminds the faithful of the Old Testament, when
humanity was “sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death” (Luke 2:79);
when the prophets, illumined by God, announced the Redeemer; and when the hearts
of good people stood in flame with the desire for the Messiah. The wreath itself
symbolizes the “fulfillment of time” in the coming of Christ, and the glory
of His birth. (The wreath is an ancient symbol of victory and glory.)
After some prayers which
are recited for the grace of a good and holy preparation for Christmas, the
family sings one of the traditional Advent hymns or a song in honor of Mary. In
some sections of Europe it is customary that persons with the name “John” or
“Joan” have the first right to light the candles on the Advent wreath and
Christmas tree, because John the Evangelist starts his Gospel by calling Christ
the “Light of the world,” and John the Baptist was the first one to see the
light of Divinity shining about the Lord at His baptism in the Jordan.
It is hard to picture the wonderful memories which such a daily custom in Advent evokes in the hearts of those who enjoyed its inspiration in their childhood. Somehow these holy moments of prayer and prayerful song before the lights of the Advent wreath exert an influence in later life which seems out of proportion with the simple ceremony. Actually, it is not, of course; for to this practice of family prayer with two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matt.18:20). You had Christ in your home when you were a child. That is the brilliant truth that makes such a simple tradition so meaningful.