An article for the Cathedral Times
by Josh Borden, Flower Guild Co-Chair
When Advent—a season of preparation for the birth of Christ—originated in the fourth century, many thought that it was a representation of new light and life ending the darkness of winter. For this reason, as each week passes, a candle is lit which marks the coming of Christ. One of the great traditions of Advent is the preparation of the Advent Wreath. You will see wreaths in many places around the Cathedral, and there will be an opportunity to create your own Advent Wreaths this Sunday, December 1. Consider looking around your yard for some of the items to help you as you create your wreaths! The greens and materials are rich in symbolism and represent not only our anticipation for the arrival of Christ, but also reference the life he would live.
We want to incorporate the components of Advent wreaths in the wreaths around the Cathedral and provide their meaning:
- The wreath is circular which indicates unending love.
- There are four candles that represent the light of Christ that is coming. Individually they represent hope, peace, joy, and love.
- Evergreens – Everlasting life emerging from the darkness of winter and death
- Holly – representation of the Crown of Thorns that would be placed on Christ’s head during the passion
- Red Berries – represent the blood of Christ
- Pine Cones – symbolize resurrection as pine cones fall from the trees, and seed new trees and new life
- Bay Leaves – represent the message of the Angels “Glory to God”
- Ivy – indicates fidelity
- Rosemary – is used for Remembrance – remembering that out of the darkness comes life and in Christ’s suffering and death, new life arrives with the Resurrection
I hope that having this information will add to your season of Advent and preparation!