Christmas wreath: A modern tradition rooted in compassion and faith
When we think of the Christmas season, images of glowing advent wreaths, twinkling Christmas trees, and serene Nativity scenes immediately come to mind. These beloved traditions, rich in history and symbolism, bring warmth and meaning to the darkest time of the year. However, the origins of these customs are often more recent—and complex—than one might assume.
The advent wreath, in particular, carries profound spiritual and social significance, yet its story begins not in the distant past but in 19th-century Germany, where it was conceived as a tool to teach and inspire children in need. Like the Christmas tree and Nativity scene, the advent wreath serves as a focal point for reflection and anticipation during the season of Advent, linking themes of light, life, and renewal to the celebration of Christ’s birth.
In this post, we briefly explore the origins of the advent wreath, its transformation over time, and the meanings it conveys in today’s world.
Origin of the advent wreath
The Christmas wreath was first created in 1839 by Johann Hinrich Wichern, a Protestant theologian and social reformer. Working at the Rauhes Haus in Hamburg (a shelter he founded for poor Hamburg children with behavioral problems or delinquency), Wichern sought to help impoverished children prepare for Christmas in a meaningful way. He constructed the first wreath – a large wooden circle fashioned from a wagon wheel – with 28 candles: four white ones for the Sundays of Advent and smaller red ones for the remaining days leading up to Christmas. Each evening, a new candle was lit, creating a visual countdown to the holiday.
Left: Johann Hinrich Wichern (1808–1881). Source: Wikimedia Commonsꜛ (license: public domain) – Right: Prayer room of the Rauhes Haus (ca. 1845), a shelter for poor children founded by Wichern in Hamburg. From: Illustrirte Zeitung, 7/1846, p. 237. Source: Wikimedia Commonsꜛ
The original “Wichern wreath” served both practical and spiritual purposes. For the children at the Rauhes Haus, it taught them to count and helped them grasp the passage of time. Spiritually, it emphasized the growing light of Christ’s coming, symbolizing hope amidst the darkness of winter – and the social challenges, especially for children, of the age of industrialization. Over time, this practice spread beyond Hamburg and evolved into the advent wreath as we know it today, featuring four candles to mark the Sundays of Advent.
Wichern Advent wreath. Source: Wikimedia Commonsꜛ (license: CC BY-SA 2.5).
By the early 20th century, the advent wreath had entered Catholic homes and churches, with the first documented use in a Catholic church occurring in Cologne in 1925. Its spread continued after World War II, becoming a cherished tradition in both Protestant and Catholic communities worldwide.
Symbolism of the Christmas wreath
Since then, the Christmas wreath has become rich in Christian symbolism. Its circular shape is thought to represent eternity and God’s unending love, while its evergreen branches symbolize life and hope in the midst of winter. The candles reflect the growing light of Christ, culminating in his birth as the “Light of the World”.
Advent wreath with a pink candle for Gaudete Sunday. Source: Wikimedia Commonsꜛ (license: CC BY-SA 3.0).
In Catholic traditions, the candles often follow liturgical colors: three violet for penance, one rose for Gaudete Sunday (the third Sunday of Advent), and occasionally a white candle for Christmas Eve, symbolizing Christ himself. In Protestant regions, red candles are common, symbolizing Christ’s love and light.
Advent wreath with a pink candle for Gaudete Sunday. Source: Wikimedia Commonsꜛ (license: CC BY-SA 3.0).
There are numerous local variations and adaptations of the advent wreath to different regional and cultural contexts. In the Erzgebirge region of Germany, for example, wreaths are traditionally decorated with red candles, symbolizing love and the light of Christ. In other parts of Saxony, the wreath may feature 24 nuts (four silver for the Advent Sundays and one gold for Christmas). The Ambrosian Rite in northern Italy uses six candles to reflect its six-week Advent season, and in Norway, Lutheran communities use four violet candles, echoing the liturgical tradition.
Hanukkah and other light traditions
The celebration of light is not unique to the Christian advent wreath. For instance, Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, shares a thematic connection in its focus on growing light during winter. The nightly lighting of the Hanukkah menorah mirrors the progressive lighting of candles on the advent wreath. Both traditions emphasize faith, perseverance, and the triumph of divine light over darkness. Similarly, Scandinavian traditions of Lucia Day, with its processions of candles, and other winter solstice practices reflect humanity’s fascination with light as a sign of life and renewal.
Hanukkah at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. Source: Wikimedia Commonsꜛ (license: CC BY-SA 4.0).
The advent calendar: A complementary tradition
Today, another beloved tradition accompanies the advent wreath: the advent calendar. Like the advent wreath, the advent calendar was conceived as a tool to help children mark the days until Christmas. Johann Hinrich Wichern also played a key role in its creation, as his original wreath with daily candles laid the groundwork for counting down the days of Advent.
Advent calendar from Im Lande des Christkinds. The doors contain Christmas poems. Source: Wikimedia Commonsꜛ (license: public domain).
The first recorded advent calendars appeared in Protestant households in the mid-19th century. Families hung 24 pictures or wiped away chalk marks daily. In Catholic homes, straw was added to a manger each day to prepare for the Christ child. By the early 20th century, commercial advent calendars became popular, often featuring printed images, doors to open, or even small treats like chocolates.
The mystery of Christmas - advent calendar referring to the liturgical year from the first Sunday in Advent to Epiphany. Source: Wikimedia Commonsꜛ (license: CC BY-SA 3.0).
Today, advent calendars range from traditional designs with religious imagery to modern versions filled with toys, cosmetics, or gourmet treats. Despite their diversity, they share a common purpose: to build anticipation and joy in the lead-up to Christmas.
Conclusion
Still today, the Christmas wreath and advent calendar can be seen in homes, churches, and public spaces around the world. Depending on the cultural context and personal preferences, they may take on various forms and meanings. Both were born from a desire to bring structure and meaning to the weeks before Christmas. I was actually surprised to learn that the advent wreath was invented in the industrial age out of a motivation to help children in social need. I think, this adds another layer of depth to the tradition beyond its religious symbolism. It’s a reminder that traditions can emerge from compassion and social responsibility, reflecting the values of their time.
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