What is an Advent Wreath?

The Advent Wreath and all its history

Two things truly usher in Advent: the Advent calendar and the Advent wreath. With these, the Christmas spirit really arrives… even though chocolate Santas have been available in stores since September.

This year, we’re offering a beautiful Advent wreath for sale that’s sure to impress both Saint Nicholas and your mother-in-law. So, we thought we’d tell you a bit more about its history.

What is the Meaning of the Advent Wreath?

Wreaths and lights held special meaning in the Middle Ages: a wreath has always symbolised infinity, as it has no beginning or end. In winter, it symbolised endless hope to survive the harsh season. Candles on a wreath were a reminder that, after many hard weeks and months, light would eventually return.

These symbols influenced the invention and meaning of the Advent wreath and inspired its creator to come up with this wonderful Christmas idea.

When Was the Advent Wreath Invented, and Who Created It?

The inventor of the Advent wreath was Johann Hinrich Wichern, founder of the Rauhes Haus, a social welfare institution in Hamburg.

In 1839, he wanted to delight the children and build their anticipation for Christmas. This led to the first Advent wreath, originally with four white candles for Sundays and red ones for weekdays. This way, the children could see how long it was until the big day.

What Makes Good Advent Wreath Decorations?

Advent wreaths are usually made on rings of straw, or metal, with a base of evergreen branches like fir or spruce. Besides the candles, decorations like velvet ribbons, poppy pods, pine cones, or anything you like are added.

For a rustic design, wooden ornaments or twigs mix wonderfully with the evergreens.

Looking for Modern Advent Wreath Ideas?

Make your Advent wreath modern by trying a new shape—like a straight form or with candles at varying heights—or using unusual decor. You can even find wreaths made from glass balls or metal… your creativity has no limits, as long as it’s fire-safe!

The Best Flowers for an Advent Wreath

If you’d like to decorate with flowers, choose blooms that retain colour or shape when dried. Dried roses work well, as do hydrangea heads. Also lovely: ornamental allium heads, dried and sprayed gold or silver. Whatever flowers you use, their stems can be easily inserted between the evergreen branches.

The Perfect Candles for an Advent Wreath?

Taper or pillar candles work best, ideally about 1.5 times the height of the wreath itself. Always ensure they’re stable by using candle holders. Never leave a lit Advent wreath unattended.

Traditionally, the candles were three purple and one pink. Purple is the liturgical colour of Advent; the pink candle was lit on the 3rd Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday (Latin for "Rejoice!").

A wreath looks especially beautiful when the candles match the colours of the decorations. White pairs particularly well with the deep green of the branches—that’s why we chose it for our Advent wreath.

Where Can I Order an Advent Wreath?

You can easily order Freddie’s Flowers’ gorgeous, lush Advent wreath, which arrives fully decorated with candles on your chosen day, straight to your door. Merry Christmas!