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Advent Wreaths
Advent
wreaths are of two basic types. The first is a circle, generally of
evergreens, which is hung in the sanctuary of the church as part of the
special decorations for the Advent season. Wreaths of evergreen and other
materials are increasingly used during Advent to decorate the exterior
doors of churches and people's homes.
The other basic form of the Advent wreath is that of a circle holding four
candles. Generally the color of all four candles is purple (although it is
an increasing practice for the third candle to be pink or rose). These
candles are lit in a special sequence during worship services on the four
Sundays of Advent. A candle is lighted on the first Sunday of Advent, and
on each successive Sunday an additional candle is lit.
In recent years it has become customary to have a larger white candle in
the center of the Advent wreath. This is often called the "Christ
candle" and is lit at the Christmas Eve services and on Christmas
Day.
Small Advent wreaths have served as the center of family devotions through
Advent. In private or home use, the first candle is lit the first Sunday
and every day until Christmas; the second candle is lit on the second
Sunday and every day following and so on.
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Chrismon
"Chrismon"
is a medieval Latin word meaning a symbol of Christ or Christianity,
or a "Christ-Monogram".
Crowns, crosses, doves, stars, and butterflies are a few examples of
a Chrismon.
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