The fact that the wreath is a symbol of victory, which had been a great tradition among the Romans.
We know the wreath of coins, where he was once introduced to the head of Nero, then the various heads of kings ever graced the country until he is then moved as a purely decorative element to the edge of coins around the number.
In this victory, joy and honor tradition, it is also the custom of the Advent wreath, as we know it today.
It was the Protestant Theologian Johann Wichern (* 1808-1881), Founder and Pioneer of the "Inner Mission", who had introduced the Advent wreath. In his "Rough House" in the northern German Hamburg-Horn, he has kindled in 1838, the first Advent wreath. At that time, he embellished his chandelier with lots of pine green and put 24 candles on it. For each day in December one until Christmas Eve. His guests were simple, poor people from the street, where he gave food to, prayer, and shelter.
It was 1925 when a Christmas wreath hung with 4 candles for the first time in a Catholic church in Cologne. The wreath was simple and without sticks, and only consisted of four candles, which were arranged together. The candles would shorten the waiting time.
Since 1930 it is now custom also in Munich. This custom spread to the world untill today. By 1935 was then the first home-church Advent wreaths also dedicated, as is the custom we know to this day.
Evergreen in the house already existed already 600 years ago. Branches of juniper, mistletoe and fir trees symbolize unbroken vitality, house and yard should be preserved from harm.
And the candles have their story: In the 14th Century, they were considered a sign of hope for a new, brighter time. Candles in the Advent season were traditionally red, a symbol of the blood that Christ shed for the people.
