Advent candles are one of the most enduring Christmas traditions, and their warm, flickering light has marked the countdown to Christmas for centuries. Here is a guide to the tradition, the different types of advent candle available, and how to choose the right ones for your home.
The tradition of advent candles
The Advent wreath, with its four candles representing the four Sundays before Christmas, has its roots in Lutheran Germany in the 16th century. The tradition spread across Europe and eventually worldwide, and today advent candles appear in homes, churches, and schools across the UK in many different forms.
Traditionally, one candle is lit on each of the four Sundays of Advent, with an additional white candle lit on Christmas Day in some traditions. The candles represent hope, peace, joy, and love, with the Christmas candle representing Christ.
Types of advent candle
Traditional taper advent candles
Long, slender taper candles in the traditional Advent colours of purple, pink, and white. These are the most traditional form and are used in churches and homes that follow the liturgical Advent tradition.
Pillar advent candles
Larger pillar candles, often with numbers or dates marked on them, designed to be burned down gradually through the Advent period. These are popular in Scandinavian-style Christmas decorating.
Scented advent candles
Scented candles in festive fragrances, used as part of an Advent countdown. These are increasingly popular as a more luxurious alternative to traditional advent candles, and make a beautiful gift for anyone who loves home fragrance.
Advent candle sets
A set of four or more candles in complementary festive scents, designed to be burned one at a time through the Advent period. A scented advent candle set is a genuinely luxurious gift that lasts throughout the Christmas season.
Choosing advent candles for your home
For a traditional Advent wreath, choose taper candles in the correct liturgical colours. For a more contemporary approach, a set of scented pillar or jar candles in festive fragrances creates a beautiful and fragrant countdown to Christmas.
Warm, spiced scents like cinnamon, clove, and amber suit the Advent season perfectly. Vanilla and cedarwood are also popular choices for their warmth and cosiness.
Advent candle safety
Advent candles are often placed in wreaths or decorative holders surrounded by foliage, ribbons, and other flammable materials. Always ensure there is adequate clearance between the flame and any surrounding decoration, and never leave advent candles burning unattended.
Browse our Best Selling candles for festive fragrance options, or explore our full range of Scented Soy Candles. All hand-poured in Carlisle, Cumbria.