Here on SW many countries are represented and I wonder in how many of these countries the Advent wreath is known. Here in Denmark we got the tradition from Germany 100 – 120 years ago. The Advent wreath is a garland made of fir or another evergreen tree. In the garland are placed four candles and on the first Sunday in Advent the first candle is lit. Next Sunday the first and second candle are lit, next Sunday again the three first candles are lit and finally on the forth Advent Sunday all four candles are lit. Originally the custom was to hang the Advent wreath from the ceiling. Purple silk ribbons were used for this purpose because purple is the liturgical Advent colour. Today all colours of ribbons are used and that the ribbons match the colour of the candles is more normal than that they have any liturgical meaning but it is today more usual to see the Advent wreath placed on a table than to see it hanging from the ceiling. Typical the time when the Advent wreath is lit is a time for the family to sit together, having cookies and sweets, perhaps singing a few Christmas carols and in general having a good and cosy time.
My family used one growing up. My church still uses one. One candle is lit each of the 4 Sundays in Advent, leading up to Christmas. They stand for Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace. With a 5th, white candle in the center standing for Christ. This candle is lit on Christmas eve. Here is a link that can explain more about it if you are interested. http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/what-do-the-candles-in-our-advent-wreath-mean
I've never heard of it but I live in S.Africa. My ex-wife has similar traditions but that is because she is a Wiccan. She would also be able to tell about how the christian church has taken over Wiccan holidays and special days as their own.
