Advent Wreath

​Advent Wreaths are something that you may see in Catholic churches and homes during the season of Advent. Sometimes they are lit by the priest at the beginning of mass and other places they may simply be burning during the liturgy. Many catholic families have one that they place on the dinner table during Advent. Often times the candles will by lit by the family before or after the family meal. The wreath itself is made of evergreens to evoke everlasting life because they stay green and alive through the cold of winter. Normally the wreath also has four candles, three purple and one pink. Each week during advent one additional candle is lit starting with the purple ones. On the third Sunday of Advent the pink candle is lit. The third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete means rejoice. The day gets its name from the first words of the mass on that day which are “Gaudete in Domino semper…” meaning, rejoice in the Lord always. Gaudete Sunday has a more joyful theme than the rather somber tone of the other sundays of advent. Some advent wreaths may have a fifth white candle at the center signifiing Christ.