How To Make an Advent Wreath
Seasonal Tradition Supports Time for Reflection Before Busy Holidays
Nov 20, 2008
Enjoy the time before the holidays with the old tradition of lighting one candle on each of the four Sundays before Christmas. Advent is a time to slow down and to reflect. The word "advent" is derived from the Latin verb advenire (to come to) and the Greek epiphaneia (appearance); it refers to the arrival of something momentous. For Christians Advent marks the period of the four Sundays before Christmas.
German Tradition
Wikipedia credits Johann Hinrich Wichern, a protestant minister, with creating the first advent wreath in 1839. In his orphanage in Hamburg he was trying to contain the children's excitement before Christmas by lighting a candle each day. The first wreath supposedly had 28 candles, the four Sunday ones taller than the others. Advent has traditionally been a time for reflection and a slower pace.
Materials
- one holiday wreath (make sure it fits, where you want to display and use it), available in nurseries and markets
- 4 candles
- stem wire (18 gauge works well), available in craft stores and nurseries
- nature treasures from your garden: red berries, pine cones, acorns
- treasures from your kitchen: cinnamon sticks, thinly sliced oranges (oven-dried), star anise
- treasures from any craft store: raffia, ribbons, small ornaments, glitter, gold or silver spray
- gardening gloves
- one candle to heat wire
- glue gun
- strong scissors or wire cutters
Preparation
To prepare the four candles for mounting on the wreath, you want to put three pieces of wire (3.5-4 inches long) into the bottom of each candle. Protect your hands with gardening gloves while cutting, heating and bending the wires.
Cut 12 pieces of wire, three for each candle. Heat one end of the wire by holding it into the flame of a candle. As soon as it is hot, stick it into the bottom of your candle and push it into the wax for an inch or two. Put three stems of wire into the bottom of each candle. Now you are ready to mount them on the wreath. Tie them on firmly by wrapping the wire around the wreath's plastic or metal base.
Decoration
The traditional German advent wreath ("Adventskranz") has four red or purple candles and is decorated with red ribbons, but it is up to your imagination which colors and themes to choose. For a natural theme tie bundles of cinnamon sticks together with raffia. Use the glue gun to stick them on the wreath. Arrange star anise in a circle around each candle. Make ribbons by braiding raffia.
For a more contemporary look pick brightly colored candles and matching ribbons. Spray branches of ivy (or any other evergreen) with gold or silver color and arrange the shimmering foliage along the wreath. Add ornaments to match your color scheme.
Use of the Advent Wreath
Christians light the candles in the evening for meditation and to sing Christmas carols. Young children appreciate this ritual before bedtime. Families keep the wreath on the dinner table and light candles during mealtime. You might just want to settle down with a book in the evening and enjoy the lighted candles nearby.
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