What is advent?
Advent is the period of four Sundays and weeks before Christmas. Advent means 'Coming' in Latin, this is the coming of Jesus into the world.The first Advent is always the fourth Sunday before Christmas and christians use the four Sundays and weeks of Advent to prepare and remember the real meaning of Christmas.
Advent Calendar
The Advent or Christmas calendar began as a plain card with paper backing. On the face were 24 windows, that when opened revealed various Christmas symbols and scenes. These windows or small doors were to be opened, one each day, over the 24 days leading up to Heiligabend or Christmas Eve. The largest window is still reserved for December 24th and usually offers a view of the Nativity.
The Advent Wreath (Adventskranz)
Today in German-speaking Europe many families set up an Advent wreath (Adventskranz) on the first Advent Sunday (the fourth before Christmas) to start off the Advent season. A typical Advent wreath is usually circular, representing God’s infinite love, and are often made of evergreen leaves, which “represent the hope of eternal life, it has four candles, one for each Advent Sunday leading up to Christmas Eve.
What do the four candles of Advent Symbolize? Each candle represents something, the four traditional advent themes for the four advent Sundays are:
God's people -The Candle of Hope.
The old testament prophets - The Candle of Peace.
John the Baptist - The Candle of Love.
Mary the mother of Jesus - The Candle of Joy
Advent Wreath centrepiece ideas
We think that taking this tradition to make some art and craft is the perfect excuse to meet up with some friends at home and over some Glüwein and a soft 60's playlist.
Things you will need:
4 candles
Dry flowers
Leaves
Candle holders (this could be anything that keeps them up and adds to your design)
Small wire
Glue
Plate or carton to put your Advent Wreath
Scissors
You'll need to connect the branches together in a circular way with the wire to then add some leaves, flowers and decoration.
(click the arrow to see the process)
This is just an example of the materials or how to make one, but you can get as creative as you want and make some with bottles, jars, wood, plant pots, or simple just in a plate and leaves around it.
If you want to find cheap and beautiful materials, we recommend to go to Søstrene Grene, a beautiful danish store where you will find any art and craft material that you need or decoration for home.
Bonus
If your friends are busy or they don't like art and craft, organise a Moment with our app and find people to make this cool tradition with!