Wreaths, candles and calendars. These are sure signs of Advent for many Christian groups around the world. But what is Advent exactly? Spiritually, it’s meant as a celebration of the Earthly ...

Since traditional Catholics generally do not put up the family tree until just before Christmas, they sometimes add some decoration to the wreath in Advent colors, which are purple for penance and ...

This year, Advent starts on Sunday, Dec. 3, and will encompass four weeks, with each week dedicated to a specific theme represented by the lighting of candles on an Advent wreath. The themes ...

The Advent wreath first appeared in Germany in 1839 ... Trees at home may be blessed by a family member in connection with the evening meal on the Vigil of Christmas or another time on Christmas ...

Traditionally, the Advent wreath with its four candles and sometimes a central fifth, the Christ candle, is lit on Christmas Eve. The candles remind believers of the light Jesus brings into the ...

Did her family do it when she was a little girl? The answer to these questions is always no, and while I know many other Catholic families who gather to light their Advent wreaths, I’ve never ...

Advent begins this year on Sunday, Dec. 3. Most Catholics, even those who don’t often go to Mass, know that Advent involves a wreath with ... to the individual and family, but having a Christmas ...

The circular shape of the wreath represents ... The Evergreen branches, which do not lose their leaves in winter, represent the everlasting life found in Christ. Advent calendars were adopted ...