Advent wreath
Father Mateo (Father.Mateo@catinfo.cts.com)
21 Nov 95 17:46:00
##
# From: "Terry" <TJH@age2.age.uiuc.edu>
# Subject: Advent Wreath
#
#
# Can anyone explain the custom of the advent wreath: how it
# originated, what the different candles stand for, how one uses it?
# Terry
##[T=>FM]
Dear Terry,
According to John A. Hardon's "Modern Catholic Dictionary" (New
York, Doubleday, 1980, ISBN 0-385-12162-8), the Advent wreath is a
circle of foliage surrounding four candles (often three violet and
one rose colored, corresponding to the ligurgical vestments of the
four Sundays of Advent. These candles are lighted successively
inthe four weeks of Advent. They symbolize the coming of Christ,
the Light of the World, at Christmas time. The wreath originated
in Germany. In some countries the candles are lighted with a
special cermony of prayers and hymns with Advent themes. (I have
observed that the candles are lighted all during the Masses of
Advent. In private homes, they are kept on the dining room table
or near it, where their lighting forms part of the family's table
blessing before the principal meal of the day.)
The new ritual's "Book of Blessings" gives a blessing for the
Advent wreathes (see Chapter 27, nos. 928-953).
Dear Terry,
According to John A. Hardon's "Modern Catholic Dictionary" (New
York, Doubleday, 1980, ISBN 0-385-12162-8), the Advent wreath is a
circle of foliage surrounding four candles (often three violet and
one rose colored, corresponding to the ligurgical vestments of the
four Sundays of Advent. These candles are lighted successively
inthe four weeks of Advent. They symbolize the coming of Christ,
the Light of the World, at Christmas time. The wreath originated
in Germany. In some countries the candles are lighted with a
special cermony of prayers and hymns with Advent themes. (I have
observed that the candles are lighted all during the Masses of
Advent. In private homes, they are kept on the dining room table
or near it, where their lighting forms part of the family's table
blessing before the principal meal of the day.)
The new ritual's "Book of Blessings" gives a blessing for the
Advent wreathes (see Chapter 27, nos. 928-953).
Sincerely in Christ,
Father Mateo
--- Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. ---
##MMR 2.46#. !link T 11-07-95 10:17
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