Not all of the candles that are displayed during the holiday season are Advent candles, nor do all the people who do display Advent candles do so for religious reasons. It’s important to know the advent candle colors and what they represent.
However, Advent candles themselves are associated with various Christian religions and for many, have a deep and personal Christian meaning.
Here is look at the different colors of Advent Candles and what they mean in a religious context.
Table of Content
Advent Candle Colors And What They Represent
Advent
For people in many Christian denominations, advent is a time of anticipation.
First, it is a reminder of the anticipation felt and experienced by those awaiting the birth of the promised savior all of those years ago.
It is also the anticipation of waiting for the second coming of Christ.
The Advent candles are traditionally 3 colors. Purple which marks a time of repentance and fasting, Pink which signifies hope, and white which signifies the purity of Christ, or the lamb of God.
Different Advent Candle Colors, What they Mean & Lighting of the Candles
The Advent candles consist of 3 purple candles, 1 pink candle, and one white candle (some religions use blue candles in place of the purple candles).
These candles are lit in a specific order. The order is as follows:
Purple Candle – (Known as the candle of hope) is lit throughout the first week of Advent.
Purple Candle – (Known as the Bethlehem Candle) signifying where Christ was born. This candle is lit along with the first purple candle throughout the second week of Advent
Pink Candle – (Candle of joy) signifies the joy of the upcoming savior’s arrival both on Christmas day and in the future. This Candle is lit along with the first two purple candles throughout the third week of Advent.
Purple Candle – The fourth Candle of Advent is another purple candle (known as the candle of love) and is lit throughout the 4th week of Advent along with all of the other Candles.
White Candle – The White candle is usually displayed in the middle of the Advent wreath and is only lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas day along with all of the other candles of Advent.
In religious homes, the lighting of the candles each night is usually accompanied by a short prayer or reading of the Scripture.
It is also a time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas rather than the presents and the bright lights.
However, one always needs to remember that the Advent candles are simply one tradition for one religion and not something followed by everyone during this holiday season.
Advent Candles to Consider
Purple Advent Pillar Candle Set
D’light Online Elegant Taper Premium Quality Candles Set of 12 (10 Inch, Advent)Purple and Pink Wax Pillar Christmas Season Advent Candle Set of 4, 9 Inch
