Advent and Christmastime are seasons rich with traditions, both religious and secular. Although we see and often participate in these traditions year after year, we sometimes forget or don’t know the history and symbolism behind them.

The most popular tradition associated with the liturgical season of preparation for Christ’s birth is the lighting of candles on an Advent Wreath in both churches and homes. This practice originated in the 16^th century among Lutherans in Germany and quickly spread in popularity. It wasn’t, however, until the mid-1900’s that it became common among American Catholics. Advent wreaths can be of any size, are made of evergreen, and incorporate four candles, one for each week of Advent. Although it is customary for three of the candles to be purple, the primary liturgical color of Advent, and the fourth candle to be pink, the actual colors of the candles are not an essential factor. The symbolism of the candles is primarily in the flame, the light of Christ. Wreaths are traditionally symbolic of victory and glory, but the symbolism of the Advent Wreath has a deeper meaning, the struggle between darkness and light. The Wreath represents the many years when people lived in spiritual darkness waiting for the Messiah, the light of the world. Each year in Advent, we again wait in darkness for the end of time. As the candles are lit and Christmas draws near, our anticipation grows as we await the coming of Jesus, both His historical birth in Bethlehem and His final coming as we feel the strength and love of our Savior.

Christians have celebrated Christmas since the fourth century. By the Middle Ages, however, the celebration of Christmas and the religious traditions associated with it had exploded in popularity. The roots of our North American Christmas traditions can be traced to the immigration waves from Ireland and central Europe in the mid-19^th century. The most popular of these traditions is having a Nativity scene displayed in churches and homes. St. Francis of Assisi popularized this custom in 1223 by having a living Nativity scene. Now, Nativity scenes range in size and construction, but include the principal characters involved in Jesus’ birth and often the stable or cave where He was born. Next to the Nativity scene, the Christmas tree is the most popular tradition associated with this season. This modern custom originated in Germany in the Middle Ages from two traditions that over time blended into one. First, during this time, traveling actors visited villages to perform...