Waiting for light: the season of Advent
In Germany, Christmas doesn’t simply begin on Christmas Eve – it starts four weeks earlier, during the season of Advent. It’s a time marked by warmth, candlelight and small rituals that balance out the darkness of winter. Every Sunday leading up to Christmas, one more candle is lit – a quiet yet beautiful tradition that fills homes with calm anticipation.
While in many countries Advent is mostly about calendars and chocolate treats, in Germany it’s taken to heart. Families gather around a wreath or candleholder, light a new candle each week, and watch as the glow gradually grows brighter – a simple symbol of hope and light returning.
From Advent wreath to modern candleholder
The tradition began in 1839 with a German pastor named Johann Hinrich Wichern, who wanted to help the children at his mission school count down the days until Christmas. He hung up a wooden wheel with 24 candles – one for each day of December leading to Christmas Eve.
Over time, this evolved into the more familiar version with four candles, one for each Advent Sunday.
Modern homes often replace the wreath of evergreen branches with something more timeless: a metal candle ring, a wooden circle, or a four-arm holder. The principle stays the same – each candle represents one step closer to Christmas, and a little more light in the darkness.
The four candles and their meaning
Each candle has its own symbolic theme:
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Hope – the beginning of expectation.
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Peace – the wish for harmony.
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Joy – warmth and togetherness.
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Love – the heart of Christmas itself.
By the fourth Sunday, the room glows with all four lights — a peaceful reminder that the festive season is about connection and reflection, not just celebration.
Advent in modern style
In today’s interiors, Advent has quietly evolved. Instead of pine wreaths, many prefer modern candleholders that express the same meaning with a cleaner look.
A perfect example is the Yono candle ring — a compact black metal circle with gold-coloured holders that suits both minimalist and rustic décor.
For a warmer, organic tone, there’s the Renze candle ring in mango wood and black aluminium – low in height, softly reflective, and ideal for the centre of a dining table or windowsill.
These pieces don’t just hold candles; they carry on a centuries-old tradition in a form that fits contemporary homes.
A season to slow down
The German Advent period is not about rushing through December. It’s about slowing down, enjoying soft light, home-baked biscuits and quiet evenings.
And whether you live in Germany or simply admire its traditions, a four-light candleholder brings a touch of that atmosphere into your own home — a way to mark the season with grace and intention.