What do the three purple candles and one pink candle on an advent wreath represent?

There are many symbols and meanings for the advent wreath.





The Circle - The circle here is the wreath. It is a universal symbol of eternity.





The Evergreens -- Juniper or cedar are usually used. They suggest life and hope.





I have found this to be the best lay person explanation. Hope it answers your question. MERRY CHRISTMAS





The Burning Candles - They represent Christ as the light of the world.


Prophet's Candle - A purple or white candle representing the period of waiting.


Bethlehem Candle - A purple or white candle representing the preparation to receive the Child.


Shepherd's Candle - A Purple or white candle representing the sharing of Christ.


Angel Candle - A pink or white candle to represent rejoicing.


Christ's Candle - If used, this candle is white or purple and represents the Child's birth.





Everlasting Flowers - These represent everlasting life.


Purple (color) - Whether it be candles, ribbons or flowers, purple represents the holy aspect of the Advent.


Pink (color) - Whether it be candles, ribbons or flowers, the color represents joy.





Traditional herbs and their meanings in the advent wreath are:


Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) - the herb or remembrance


Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) - the symbol of bravery of the child


Sage (Salvia officinalis) - the herb of immortality


Lavender (Lavandula, many species) - the herb of purity and virtue


Rue (Ruta graveolens) - the herb of grace


Costmary (Chrysanthemum balsamita) - the herb of everlasting life


Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) - this herb represents good health

What do the three purple candles and one pink candle on an advent wreath represent?
Violet represents royalty and patience. Pink/Rose represents joy in anticipation. (The third candle is lit when Advent is half over.) Four candles stand for the traditional 4000 years the world had to wait for Christ.
Reply:The Advent wreath, four candles on a wreath of evergreen, is shaped in a perfect circle to symbolize the eternity of God. In some churches, four purple candles, one for each week in Advent, are used with one larger white candle in the middle as the Christ candle. Other churches prefer three purple or blue candles with one candle being rose or pink, to represent joy.





The lighting of the first candle symbolizes expectation, the second symbolizes hope, the third joy and the fourth purity. The Christ candle is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day reminding Christians that Jesus is the light of the world.
Reply:The purple candles represent a time of waiting and preparing for Jesus' birth. The rose candle, lit on the third Sunday, represents joy because Advent is almost over and Christmas is so close. That is why the third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete Sunday... "gaudete" is Latin for "rejoice"!
Reply:Basically: Three Sundays in Advent are purple (vestments) - one is "rose" colored (not pink)

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