Besides my electric candles in the windows (cf yesterday's post), I also still have my adventsljusstake (Advent candle holder) with four real candles in a row - one for each Advent Sunday - sitting on the table in my living room. These days, I'm rather careful when it comes to trusting myself with real candles, and only light those when I'm going to be sitting still for a while - but on the other hand not feeling so relaxed that I might nod off...!
I've even contemplated switching to battery candles in this one. But I think that would just look weird - at least the first three weeks, until you can have all four of them lit!
I know that Germany also have the four candles for the Advent Sundays (but usually in a wreath formation), but I'm not sure how widely spread this tradition ever was - or is - in other countries.
advent was not a part of my childhood, since my dad was a baptism minister. but I have enjoyed yours for many years and fully get the reason for the candles. I am with you, candles are not fun for me anymore, I am way to forgetful
ReplyDeleteSandra, here I think Advent is celebrated in most churches, whether baptist or Lutheran. And some of the traditions (like the candles etc) picked up even by many people who usually don't go to church at all...
DeleteThey are lovely! We have never had them, but our church does.
ReplyDeleteGinny, the Advent candles were part of my family traditions although my parents weren't churchgoers. And also a star in the kitchen window. So when I moved to my own first flat I took those traditions with me. Never had a full size Christmas tree but always the Advent candles and star.
DeleteSome people have Advent wreaths in their homes. I think it's a nice tradition, but not one I was brought up in. I think it adds a little peacefulness and hope in the build-up , the Advent, of Christmas.
ReplyDeleteJanice, I think I always kind of enjoyed Advent time more than Christmas itself. (Nowadays my Christmases are rather peaceful as well, thoogh.)
DeleteYou know how much I love the entire Advent and Christmas period, and I enjoy seeing what you do to mark it in your flat every year. I have a wreath with real candles on the coffee table and a small electric star in one window. Whether I'll put up my ugly old artificial tree (I still love it!) this year or not, I have not yet decided. Since I am away two out of the four Advent weekends, I light the candle(s) for that Sunday on the Monday evening afterwards, when I am home.
ReplyDeleteWe still haven't put up our decorations yet, B is talking about putting the Christmas tree up so that will probably be next weekend.
ReplyDeleteMost if not all Church of England churches have an Advent wreath with the candles lit one per Advent Sunday in the run up to the big day when a central white candle, symbolising Jesus, is lit. Each candle represents the following
ReplyDelete1)hope
2)peace
3)joy
4)love with 1,2 and 4 being purple and 3 is pink.
Jane (UK reader)