Advent is an incredibly magical time of waiting for the birth of Jesus Christ. One of the most beautiful symbols of this period is undoubtedly the Advent wreath , which adds warmth and coziness to every home. Creating your own, unique wreath is a fantastic opportunity for family fun and strengthening bonds before the upcoming holidays. Thanks to our detailed step-by-step instructions, you will create a unique, beautiful and durable Advent wreath , which will decorate your home throughout the waiting time for Christmas.
The tradition of the Advent wreath - where did it come from?
The roots of the Advent wreath tradition date back to the 19th century, when the evangelical pastor Johann Wichern created the first such wreath to liven up the sad room of the orphanage and introduce children to the joyful time of waiting for Christmas. However, the custom quickly spread throughout Europe, and was eventually adopted by Catholics.
The traditional Advent wreath is a circle, symbolizing infinity and eternity. Each of the four candles on the wreath represents another Sunday of Advent, and their lighting is the culmination of the week-long preparations for Christmas. The green conifer branches, in turn, symbolize eternal life.
What does the Advent wreath symbolize ?
The Advent wreath is a beautiful symbol of anticipation and joyful preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ. Each of its elements carries a deep meaning:
- round shape - infinity, eternity,
- four candles - four weeks of Advent,
- the first candle - symbolizes forgiveness, without which peace is impossible,
- the second candle - expresses faith in God,
- the third candle - joy of the covenant with God and another person,
- the fourth candle - the hope of waiting for Jesus Christ,
- green branches - a symbol of eternal life.
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How to choose materials for making an Advent wreath ?
Creating a beautiful and durable Advent wreath does not require any special manual skills, only gathering the right materials. Here is a list of the necessary elements:
- base - it can be a polystyrene or wire circle with a diameter of 15-20 cm,
- coniferous branches - preferably spruce, fir or pine, about 10 cm long,
- green, flexible wire for attaching branches,
- 4 thick, preferably red candles,
- wires or toothpicks for attaching candles,
- hot glue,
- decorations - baubles, dried fruit, pine cones, cinnamon sticks, gingerbread, anise stars, etc.
Choose materials that match your holiday decorating style. Classic, natural elements work well in rustic or traditional arrangements, while modern, colorful ornaments add a touch of glamour to your wreath.
How to make an Advent wreath - step by step
Time to create your own, unique Advent wreath !
Step 1. Preparing the wreath base
Start by building a solid wreath base . Place a Styrofoam circle or wire hoop on a flat surface. Then attach the conifer branches to it, arranging them in the same direction and wrapping them with flexible green wire. Continue this process until the entire base surface is evenly covered with branches. Make sure that the layers of branches overlap, creating a dense, shapely structure.
Step 2. Placing the candles
The next step is to attach four thick candles to the wreath . Use short, straight pieces of wire or toothpicks to stick them into the base of each candle, then gently press them into the green base to securely sit in the wreath . Space the candles evenly at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock.
Step 3. Decorating the wreath
This is the most creative and enjoyable part - decorating the wreath ! Use various decorations, such as dried fruits, pine cones, cinnamon sticks, gingerbread cookies or anise stars. Attach them with hot glue, allowing each element to have its place and to interact with the others. You can also add ribbons, bows or other elements to give the wreath an even more festive character.
Step 4. Final touches and setup
Finally, make some minor adjustments so that the wreath looks aesthetically pleasing and symmetrical. Make sure that all the elements are securely attached. You can now place the finished wreath in the center of the house to please the eyes of all household members and guests throughout Advent.
How to decorate your home with an Advent wreath ?
An Advent wreath is not only a beautiful decoration in itself, but also a great element around which you can build the entire Christmas arrangement of your home. Here are some ideas on how to use a wreath to give your interiors a magical Advent atmosphere:
Wreath on the front door
Placing a wreath on the door is a classic and timeless solution. The wreath will greet guests from the very beginning, putting them in a joyful mood of anticipation of the holidays.
Wreath on the table
An Advent wreath surrounding the family table created a unique, festive atmosphere. You can complement it with additional decorations, such as candlesticks, pine cones or dried fruit.
Wreath on the fireplace or console
The wreath also looks great on a fireplace or console. It is then the focal point of the living room arrangement, attracting the attention of household members and guests.
Wreath on the stairs
Placing a wreath on the stairs or stair railing is an interesting way to highlight the entrance to your home. Such a decoration will put visitors in the holiday spirit from the very first steps.
Regardless of where you place your Advent wreath, remember to match its color and style to the rest of your decorations. This way, you will create a coherent, elegant arrangement that will delight everyone in the house When. When the Advent wreath becomes the focal point of your holiday decorations, it is worth considering how to emphasize its presence and give the whole thing a harmonious look.
Summary
The Advent wreath is a magical symbol of waiting for the birth of Jesus, bringing warmth and coziness to homes. This tradition dates back to the 19th century, when pastor Johann Wichern created the first wreath. It consists of a round base, symbolizing eternity, and four candles, which, when lit one after another, symbolize forgiveness, faith, joy and hope. The wreath can be made by yourself, using conifer branches, wire, candles and various decorations, which gives an opportunity for creative play and strengthening family ties. Placing it in the center of the house will additionally emphasize the holiday atmosphere.
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