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JUST FOR KIDS > CRAFTS > The Advent Wreath

The advent wreath, which is German in origin was taken, so we are told, from the pagan fire wheel. The wreath represents the cycle of thousands of years from Adam to Christ during which the world awaited the coming of a Redeemer. It also represents the cycle of years since then that we have been awaiting His second and final coming in glory. It bears four candles, equally spaced, three purple ones to be lighted on the "penitential" Sundays, and a rose-colored one for Gaudete, the joyful Sunday in Advent. Candles may be placed inside or outside the wreath.

There are many ways to make advent wreaths.
The basis is a circle that can be made from oasis (foam to make flower arrangements), wire (coat hangers can be used), or pressed straw.

Once you have the basis, you can bind evergreens to it with fine wire or you can pin leaves with big staples.

Pine wreaths have the advantage that you can use it year after year.

Inexpensive and easy to assemble is the wreath you can make from a bunch or two of laurel leaves bound . The evergreens are secured by fine wire to the circle. Candles and ribbons are added as the wreath is put together. Laurel is practical because it does not shed when suspended over the dining room table. Moreover, laurel is a symbol of victory, and thus reminds us that Christ's coming means victory over sin and death.

Loveliest of wreaths and fragrant, too, is one of fresh princess pine. When using that type, you can hang it in the living room and add a single silver star to it each evening in Advent when the candles are lighted for prayers. Stars are cut from metallic paper.

City dwellers may make an attractive wreath of fireproof green paper, while country folks will find a metal barrel hoop ideal as a frame for whatever evergreens are at hand.

Advent Wreath Prayer and Ceremony

The wreath, unless it sheds, is kept until Epiphany.

In this example, some of the little decorations were bought in the Rag Shop while others were taken from other wreaths from a previous year.
The candles were planted into the styrofoam (be careful not to break the styrofoam).
You can also use thick candles and place them in the middle of the wreath.

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