<P> In Christianity , wreaths are used to observe the Advent season , in preparation for Christmastide and Epiphanytide , as well as to celebrate the latter two liturgical seasons . These wreaths , as with other Advent and Christmas decorations , are often set up on the first Sunday of Advent , a custom that is sometimes done liturgically , through a hanging of the greens ceremony . The Advent wreath was first used by Lutherans in Germany in the 16th century , and in 1839 , Lutheran priest Johann Hinrich Wichern used a wreath made from a cart wheel to educate children about the meaning and purpose of Christmas , as well as to help them count its approach , thus giving rise to the modern version of the Advent wreath . For every Sunday of Advent , starting with the fourth Sunday before Christmas , he would put a white candle in the wreath and for every day in between he would use a red candle . The use of the Advent wreath has since spread from the Lutheran Church to many Christian denominations , and some of these traditions , such as the Catholic Church and Moravian Church , have introduced unique variations to it . All of the Advent wreaths , however , have four candles , and many of them have a white candle in the centre , the Christ candle , which is lit on Christmas Day . Advent and Christmas wreaths are constructed of evergreens to represent everlasting life brought through Jesus and the circular shape of the wreath represents God , with no beginning and no end . Advent and Christmas wreaths are now a popular symbol in preparation for and to celebrate the coming of Christ , with the former being used to mark the beginning of the Christian Church 's liturgical year and both serving as décor during Advent and Christmas festivities . While Advent wreaths are erected on stands or placed on tables , Christmas wreaths are often hung on doors or walls . Within Advent , the Church observes Saint Lucy 's Day , the memorial of Saint Lucy , who is said to have brought `` food and aid to Christians hiding in the catacombs '' using a candle - lit wreath to `` light her way and leave her hands free to carry as much food as possible '' ; as such , on this day , many young Christian girls dress as Saint Lucy , wearing a wreath on their head . </P>
<P> In Christianity , wreaths are used to observe the Advent season , in preparation for Christmastide and Epiphanytide , as well as to celebrate the latter two liturgical seasons . These wreaths , as with other Advent and Christmas decorations , are often set up on the first Sunday of Advent , a custom that is sometimes done liturgically , through a hanging of the greens ceremony . The Advent wreath was first used by Lutherans in Germany in the 16th century , and in 1839 , Lutheran priest Johann Hinrich Wichern used a wreath made from a cart wheel to educate children about the meaning and purpose of Christmas , as well as to help them count its approach , thus giving rise to the modern version of the Advent wreath . For every Sunday of Advent , starting with the fourth Sunday before Christmas , he would put a white candle in the wreath and for every day in between he would use a red candle . The use of the Advent wreath has since spread from the Lutheran Church to many Christian denominations , and some of these traditions , such as the Catholic Church and Moravian Church , have introduced unique variations to it . All of the Advent wreaths , however , have four candles , and many of them have a white candle in the centre , the Christ candle , which is lit on Christmas Day . Advent and Christmas wreaths are constructed of evergreens to represent everlasting life brought through Jesus and the circular shape of the wreath represents God , with no beginning and no end . Advent and Christmas wreaths are now a popular symbol in preparation for and to celebrate the coming of Christ , with the former being used to mark the beginning of the Christian Church 's liturgical year and both serving as décor during Advent and Christmas festivities . While Advent wreaths are erected on stands or placed on tables , Christmas wreaths are often hung on doors or walls . Within Advent , the Church observes Saint Lucy 's Day , the memorial of Saint Lucy , who is said to have brought `` food and aid to Christians hiding in the catacombs '' using a candle - lit wreath to `` light her way and leave her hands free to carry as much food as possible '' ; as such , on this day , many young Christian girls dress as Saint Lucy , wearing a wreath on their head . </P>
where did the traditional christmas wreath come from
where did the traditional christmas wreath come from
Lutherans in Germany in the 16th century
Lutherans in Germany in the 16th century