It's a circular wreath made of evergreen branches and decorated with four candles, one for each Sunday in Advent. The candles are usually lit one by one each Sunday, starting with one candle on the first Sunday of Advent and adding another each week, leading up to Christmas.
Here's what makes the Advent wreath special:
* Symbol of hope and anticipation: The evergreens symbolize eternal life and the circle symbolizes eternity. The light of the candles represents the coming of Christ and the growing hope for the future.
* Family tradition: Lighting the candles together is a cherished tradition for many German families. It creates a sense of anticipation for Christmas and provides a time for reflection and prayer.
* Part of the Advent season: The Advent wreath is a visible reminder of the Advent season, which is a time of spiritual preparation for Christmas.
Beyond the basics, there are many variations on the Advent wreath:
* Different candle colors: Some use four purple candles and one pink candle for Gaudete Sunday (the third Sunday of Advent).
* Decorations: Some people decorate the wreath with ribbons, ornaments, pine cones, or other festive elements.
* Religious or secular use: While the Advent wreath is rooted in Christian tradition, it's also enjoyed by many non-religious families as a beautiful and festive symbol of the holiday season.
So, next time you see a circular wreath with candles during the Advent season, you'll know it's an "Adventskranz" - a symbol of hope, anticipation, and joy!