The crown and candles of Advent are a pre-Christian tradition from Germany. 

The legend says that they were invented by a minister who welcomed poor children in an old farm near Hamburg to educate and care for them. As, during the time of Advent, they always asked him when Christmas would finally arrive, he made a wooden crown, with twenty small red candles and four large white candles. Every morning a small candle was lit and, every Sunday of Advent, a large candle.

To create the crown of Advent, fir branches are used; since the beginning of the 20th century, it has become in Germany one of the traditions of Christmas. In Alsace, it appears between the two world wars, introduced by Protestant youth movements. In Austria, the custom was introduced only after 1945.

This German use has been repeated in many countries. We offer you a simplified version of the crown of Advent with this decorated candle which features as many graduations as days before Christmas.

On December 1, light it on !