Catholic tradition Advent Wreath 

The Advent Wreath was originally adopted in the Middle Ages as part of the spiritual preparation for Christmas.

The wreath and candles are full of symbolism tied to the Christmas season. The wreath is made of various evergreens, signifies continuous life. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life we find in Christ.

The traditional evergreens leaves that make up the wreath (which unfortunately we do not have in Barbados, so we make do with an artificial wreath) have their own meanings:
The laurel leaves signifies victory over persecution and suffering, the pine, holly, and yew leaves signify immortality, the cedar signifies strength and healing.  The pine cones that decorate the wreath symbolize life and resurrection.

The four (or five) candles have their own special significance. The four candles (3 purple & 1 pink) represent the four weeks of Advent, one candle is lit each Sunday (and week). The 3 purple candles is a liturgical colour that signifies a time of prayer, penance, and sacrifice, the 1 pink or rose candle is the colour for joy.

The first candle, also call the Prophecy Candle, is purple symbolizes hope. It remembers the prophets, especially Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. It represents the expectation felt in anticipation of the coming Messiah.
The second candle, also called the Bethlehem Candle, is also purple represents faith. It is a reminder of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem.   The third candle, also called the Shepherd’s Candle, is pink symbolizes joy.  The third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday and remind us of the joy that the world experienced at the birth of Jesus, as well as joy that the faithful have reached the midpoint of Advent.   The fourth candle, also called the Angel’s Candle, is purple symbolizes peace and mark the final week of prayer and penance as we wait for the birth of our Saviour.  It reminds us of the message of the angels: “Peace on Earth, Good Will towards Men.”

Suggested method of use for families:
The Advent wreath is most appropriately lit at dinner time after the blessing of the food. On the First Sunday of Advent, the head of the family blesses the wreath, praying: O God, by whose word all things are sanctified, pour forth Thy blessing upon this wreath, and grant that we who use it may prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ and may receive from Thee abundant graces. Who livest and reignest forever. Amen.”
 
Once the wreath is blessed the head of the family then says the following prayer O Lord, stir up Thy might, we beg thee, and come, that by Thy protection we may deserve to be rescued from the threatening dangers of our sins and saved by Thy deliverance. Who livest and reignest forever. Amen.” The youngest child then lights one purple candle (hope). This prayer and the lighting of the 1 purple candle can be repeated each evening until the 2nd Sunday of Advent.
 
 During the second Sunday of Advent, the head of the family prays: O Lord, stir up our hearts that we may prepare for Thy only begotten Son, that through His coming we may be made worthy to serve Thee with pure minds. Who livest and reignest forever. Amen.” The oldest child then lights the purple candle from the first week plus one more purple candle (hope & faith).  This prayer and the lighting of the 2 purple candle can be repeated each evening until the 3rd Sunday of Advent
 
During the third Sunday of Advent the head of the family prays: O Lord, we beg Thee, incline Thy ear to our prayers and enlighten the darkness of our minds by the grace of Thy visitation. Who livest and reignest forever. Amen.” The mother or another child / family member then lights the two previously lit purple candles plus the rose candle (hope, faith & joy). This prayer and the lighting of the 2 purple & 1 pink candle can be repeated each evening until the 4th Sunday of Advent
 
Finally, on the 4th Sunday of Advent the head of the family prays O Lord, stir up Thy power, we pray Thee, and come; and with great might help us, that with the help of Thy grace, Thy merciful forgiveness may hasten what our sins impede. Who livest and reignest forever. Amen.” The head of the family then lights all of the candles of the wreath (hope, faith, joy & peace).  This prayer and the lighting of the 2 purple, 1 pink & the final 3rd purple candles can be repeated each evening until December 24th
 

A recent modern adaptation is the inclusion of a white candle which is becoming quite popular.  The white candle is placed in the middle of the wreath and lit on Christmas Eve along with the 3 purple candles and 1 pink candle. This candle is called the “Christ Candle” and represents the life of Christ. The colour white is for purity—because Christ is our sinless, pure Saviour.