Day 3, ADVENT WREATH

[Monday]

What is an Advent Wreath?

The Advent wreath is in the shape of a circle, representing eternity. It is made from greens that are beautiful and lush as a sign of life. Some wreaths are woven with holly or other plants with sharp branches or thorns. These, combined with the beauty of the greens, are a sign of the experience of real life – a mixture of sorrow and joy. The wreath has four candles. Three candles are purple, a sign of royalty, and one is pink, signifying joy. The pink candle is lit on the third week of Advent. The candles can be long tapers or votives in glass holders for a more fire-safe wreath.

There are no "religious rules" on what your wreath must look like. A family can create a wreath with whatever materials are available and in whatever fashion gives meaning. When children participate in the creating the wreath, the value is on the task of working together, not the perfect final product.

The Advent Wreath is full of symbols of the Catholic faith.

• The wreath shape – the circular wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God and the everlasting life found in Christ.
• Evergreens – The greenery of the Advent wreath symbolizes continuous life.
• Candles – The four candles represent the weeks of Advent. The three purple candles symbolize the prayer, penance and good works done during Advent. The pink candle is lit on the third Sunday of Advent and stands for rejoicing, hope and expectation.

People light candles for Advent because Christ is the light of the world.

A white candle in the centre of some Advent wreaths represents Christ and is lit on Christmas Eve.

Text extracted from (http://ginny-temple.suite101.com/advent-wreath-with-children-a147565)

Wreath Craft for Kids using sticks and cuttings from the garden

Wreath Craft with emphasis on the 'craft'!

Make Traditional Wreath Candles