Symbolic Artistic Statement : The Advent Wreath

Posted by Jo Murphy Dec 2, 2008

The Advent Wreath is a device used to hold community focus over a period leading up to Christmas.

The shape of the wreath speaks symbolically about eternity. In the article The Advent Wreath, [2007] Fitzpatrick talks about the symbolism of the wreath and the way candles are used to hold focus.

Symbolism of the Wreath Captured and Accentuated

• She says that the wreath shape is circular with no beginning or end. It symbolizes "the eternity of God and the everlasting life found in Christ." So when making the wreath described in How To Make an Advent Wreath I spaced the Pine cones evenly around the circle to acentuate the symmetry.
• By choosing elements of the Australin bush when crafting the shape, I sought to underline not only continuous life in the religious sense of spirituality. I wanted to tap into a deepening awareness of the nature of stewardship that characterises human relationship with nature. I have used materials Australians value as symbolic of their unique countryside. Each element of the design originated as a type of seed pod which symbolises renewal and rebirth within the natural cycles of ecology.
• The four candles, placed around the wreath represent the weeks of Advent. Three candles rimmed in purple ribbon "symbolize the prayer, penance and good works done during Advent." according to Fitzpatrick . While the "pink candle is lit on the third Sunday of Advent and stands for rejoicing, hope and expectation."

Sustained focus.

The staggering of the lighting of these candles symbolises a listening and awakened pose. People light candles for Advent to represent understanding that Christ is the light of the world. This community spirit can reach its natural culmination in a receptive state, when a white candle is placed in the center of the wreath. This candle is usually lit on Christmas Eve and it completes the visual statement with a final flourish of complimentary design.