Today people often decorate their houses with evergreen and holly garlands and wreaths. Long ago in Europe would use evergreen branches to decorate their doorway in the winter because they They believed it would invite the "woodland spirits" to their house and they would have good health and good fortune.
A Christmas wreath made of mostly evergreen tree twigs, sometimes with pinecones and a bow made of red ribbon is a common Christmas decoration.Wreaths are often put on the front door as a way of welcoming friends and relatives. These are in shape of a ring made of flowers, leaves, and sometimes fruits, used as an ornament, hanging on a wall or door, or resting on a table.The circle shape of the wreath means the ever lasting nature of love: it never ceases, stops, or ends. It is one continuous circle of love and caring. Christmas wreaths are frequently decorated with bows, bells, and other holiday symbols.
Christmas wreaths can adorn any part of the home, inside or out. In many homes, this symbol of growth and everlasting life can be found both inside and out. Wreaths that are displayed at Christmas time are in the form of a circle, signifying eternity. They also serve to wish people happiness in the new year. Today, it is sometimes hard to remember the real meaning of Christmas. The wreath over the hearth brings a warmth to people hearts and helps them to reflect upon the true meaning of this very special day.
Advent was originally a Latin word that translated into “the coming”. Advent candles often come in groups of four candles, with two different colors. The three purple candles stand for sorrow, penance, and expectation of eternal life. Purple was also the historic color of royalty and this color is to remind followers that God is the ultimate royalty and is to be obeyed above all men. The last candle is normally red or white in color and symbolizes joy and hope. Candles are lit every day during the four weeks of Advent.
Advent was developed as the four-week period before Christmas Eve to encourage Christians to reflect on the meaning of Christmas and prepare themselves spiritually for the coming New Year. The Advent Wreath, candle, and calendar are all tools to help Christians do this. The Advent calendar was created to also help followers focus on the meaning of the Christmas season and is often seen with closed doors for each day of the Advent season. One the first day of Advent, the first set of doors are opened and there will be a message (and often a picture) to reflect upon for that day. The next day the second set of doors is opened, etc. providing a new message of hope and reflection every day up to Christmas Eve. This was a very good visual way for children to see and understand the passing of the days and be ready when Christmas had finally arrived.
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