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Theo the gnome and the magical power of the Advent wreath in the run-up to Christmas
Find out how the tradition of the Advent wreath stays alive in Anklam and provides the light of hope in cold winters.
Theo the gnome and the magical power of the Advent wreath in the run-up to Christmas
In the run-up to Christmas, light and warmth slowly conjure up people's hearts. Today, November 29th, 2025, Secret Santa Theo reflects on the tradition of the Advent wreath while sitting comfortably by the fireplace due to a hip problem. This contemplative time brings not only nostalgia, but also a touch of confidence. His clever thoughts and those of Santa Elli give us a look at the changes in Christmas customs over the last few decades.
Theo's memories go back a long way: The Advent wreath as we know it has its roots in the work of the Hamburg theologian Johann Heinrich Wichern, who invented a large wooden ring in 1839. It originally consisted of four white and 20 red candles, which were used to shorten the waiting time until Christmas for children from poorer backgrounds. The candles were not only decoration, but also a learning tool to teach the little Christ children how to count. The Advent wreath symbolizes the course of the four weeks of Advent and has its roots in German Lutheran families in the 16th century, as Wikipedia reports.
The meaning of Advent
Advent, which officially begins on November 30, 2025, is more than just a countdown to the holiday. It is a time of inner preparation for the arrival of Jesus Christ. The Latin word “Advent” means “arrival” and emphasizes the hope for the birth of the Messiah and his second coming. As EKHN highlights, this is a time that is deeply rooted in Christian tradition and offers believers space for reflection and anticipation.
Another central component of the Advent season is the Advent calendar, which was also created in Western Pomerania in the second half of the 19th century. The first candle of Advent is lit on the first Sunday of Advent. Each of the four candles symbolizes values such as hope, peace, joy and love. The final candle, often referred to as the Christmas candle, is then lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. In many Catholic and Protestant churches, the four candles are purple or pink, with the pink light representing joy in the third week of Advent, while modern forms of the wreath are often made from evergreen branches, representing eternal life.
The longing for light
The sight of a burning candle was a comforting companion, especially in the cold and long winters. The millennium winter of 1708/09 with its bitterly cold temperatures of up to minus 20 degrees Celsius made the longing for light and warmth particularly noticeable. As Theo and Elli note, the symbolism of light is closely linked to the message of Jesus as the light of the world. This folk wisdom is still relevant today and offers people an anchor of hope in modern times.
In summary, Advent and its customs not only guide us through the darkness of the winter months, but also provide a valuable opportunity for reflection and gratitude. Theo and Elli invite everyone to enjoy the warm atmosphere of this special time and to live the anticipation of the upcoming celebration.