How to Make an Advent Wreath

Traditionally, the Advent wreath has featured four tapers, one for each week of Advent. Three are purple, and one is rose. If you don't have three purple and one rose candle, don't worry; four white ones will do. (And, in a pinch, any color will suffice.) The colors simply add symbolism to the wreath. Purple reminds us that Advent, like Lent, is a time of penance, fasting, and prayer; while the rose candle is first lit on Gaudete Sunday, the third Sunday in Advent, to give us encouragement and to remind us that Christmas is indeed coming.

The candles in the photo are sold as a set at our local Catholic bookstore.