Advent wreaths bedecked in candles first appeared in UK churches in the 19th century as an import from northern Europe, says the Church of England, and they are now a common adornment.

The Advent wreath is a common decoration. The evergreen wreath is generally adorned with four candles of one color, each lit on the Sundays of Advent, with the fifth being lit on Christmas.

Purple Candles. Typically, three of the four Advent candles are purple—the first, second and fourth ones. The first candle, or "Prophet's Candle," symbolizes hope. The color means royalty ...

Violet is a popular color during Advent. While green and red are typically associated with Christmas, the period leading up to December 25 is all about purples or violets.

The modern Advent wreath has four candles. The first two and the fourth are purple, Advent’s traditional color . The third candle is pink, representing the halfway point of Advent and the joy of ...

On the third Sunday of Advent, it is traditional to celebrate Joy with the “Shepherds” candle. This third Sunday is also called Gaudete Sunday, and a literal translation here is to “rejoice.” ...

Typically, three of the four Advent candles are purple—the first, second and fourth ones. The first candle, or "Prophet's Candle," symbolizes hope. The color means royalty, repentance and fasting.

If you've never used an Advent wreath and candles before, we'll explain their meaning, colors, and how it all started. The wreath itself is a symbol, and each of the candles has its own distinct ...