The Symbols, Objects and Actions of Advent
Symbolism of the Liturgical Colour
The liturgical colour for Advent is purple and shades of violet
(Archdiocese of Brisbane, 2015, p. 1 – 2). It is suggested that the liturgical colour/s
for this season symbolise temperance, spirituality and penance (Heiberg, 2004,
p. 25). It is further suggested that in the ancient world the colour purple was
associated with people of a royal status. Thus, the colours purple and violet
are also associated with the season of Advent to symbolise Jesus' royal
status (Heiberg, 2004, p.
25). The colour purple/violet is used during this season to 'dress'
the worshiping space (Catholic Education Archdiocese of Brisbane, 2011). This may
include draping coloured cloth over the altar and prayer table, lighting
of the Advent candles, hanging purple and violet banners around the Church
along with the Priest wearing purple and violet coloured
vestments (Catholic Education Archdiocese of Brisbane, 2011; Archdiocese
of Brisbane, 2015).
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The Advent Wreath
The Advent
Wreath has both decorative and symbolic purposes in this liturgical
season (Storer, 2007, p. 1). The concept of the wreath is believed to have originated in
pre-Christian times when evergreen leaves were gathered and candles were lit to
“ward off darkness of winter and serve as a sign of hope that spring would come”
(Hines-Brigger, 2013, p. 54). In the 16th Century Catholic’s in
Germany began using the wreath as a symbolism of Christ’s coming (Archdiocese
of Brisbane, 2015). This tradition soon spread across the world as result of
German’s immigrating to different countries (Hines-Brigger, 2013, p. 54) The
materials used to make the wreath also reflect important symbolism within the
Christian Faith. By way of example, the Advent Wreath is both circular in shape
and made using evergreen leaves (a plant which leaves always remain green
throughout the year) (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2015;
Storer, 2007, p.1). As a circle has no beginning or end, it is suggested
that the wreath symbolises God's never ending love for humankind (Archdiocese
of Brisbane, 2015). Furthermore, as the leaves are ‘everlasting’ in colour,
they are also used to symbolise God’s ‘everlasting’ love for us (Archdiocese of
Brisbane, 2015; Storer, 2007, p.1). Four candles are also placed around/within
the Advent Wreath (Barron, 2003, p. 30). These candles symbolise Jesus as The Light of the World (Hines-Brigger,
2013, p. 54). Three of these candles are purple, a sign of penance, whilst the
fourth is pink/rose in colour (Hines-Brigger, 2013, p. 54).
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The Advent Candles
A traditional Advent Wreath contains four candles
(Barron, 2003, p. 30). Three of these candles are purple and one is either
rose or pink (Harrison, 2010, p.1). Over the four weeks of Advent these candles
are progressively lit (Close, 2011, p.
2). By way of example, on the first Sunday of Advent the first candle is
lit, on the second Sunday of Advent the first and second candle are lit etc.
(Close, 2011, p.2). It is suggested that the progressive lighting of the
candles symbolises anticipation, hope and excitement of Jesus, the Light of the World,
coming into the world (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2015;
Sotrer, 2007, p. 1)
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The Purple Candles
There
are three purple Advent Candles (Harrison, 2010, p. 1). These candles are
progressively lit on the first, second and fourth Sundays of Advent (Close,
2011, p. 2). The purple candles are believed to symbolise the anticipation of
waiting for Jesus, reminding Christian's of the importance of "preparing
for His coming" (Storer, 2007, p. 1). Each candle is believed to have
its own unique symbolism (Harrison, 2010, p. 1).
First Candle - Candle of the Prophet This candle is known as the Candle of the Prophet (Harrison, 2010, p. 1). It is lit on the first Sunday of Advent and "recalls the prophecies foretelling the coming of Christ" (Close, 2011, p. 2; Harrison, 2010, p.1). Second Candle - Bethlehem Candle. The Bethlehem Candle, also known as the candle of Peace, is lit on the second Sunday of Advent (Harrison, 2010, p. 1). When lighting this candle, Christian's are asked to reflect upon Jesus' birthplace place (Harrison, 2010, p. 1). Fourth Candle - Angel Candle The final candle, which is lit on the last Sunday of Advent, is known as the Angel Candle. It symbolises love as it calls for Christian's to reflect upon the angels who delivered the message of Christ's birth (Harrison, 2010, p.1). |
The Rose CandleThe third Sunday of Advent is known as 'Gaudete'
Sunday, which is Latin for 'rejoice' (Hines-Brigger, 2014, p. 54).
During the third week of Advent Christian's celebrate reaching the 'half-way'
point of the liturgical season (Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane, 2011). They
rejoice at the fact that the coming of Christ is nearing (Catholic Archdiocese
of Brisbane, 2011). Thus, a rose coloured candle is lit as the colour
symbolises joy (Hines-Brigger, 2013, p. 54). The Priest will also wear rose
coloured vestments during Sunday Mass to further emphasise this liturgical
celebration (Hines-Brigger, 2013, p. 54).
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