Why Is the Third Candle Pink in the Advent Wreath?

AvatarByMary Leboeuf Candle Troubleshooting

As the holiday season approaches, many traditions come to life, each rich with symbolism and meaning. Among these cherished customs is the lighting of the Advent wreath, a practice that marks the weeks leading up to Christmas. One intriguing aspect that often catches the eye is the distinctive pink candle that appears as the third candle in the sequence. This splash of color stands out amid the otherwise purple candles, inviting curiosity and reflection.

The third candle’s unique hue is more than just a decorative choice; it carries a special significance within the Advent season. Its presence signals a shift in the spiritual journey of anticipation and preparation, offering a moment of joy and hope amid the solemnity. Understanding why this candle is pink opens a window into the deeper themes and traditions that shape the Advent experience.

Exploring the meaning behind the third pink candle reveals layers of history, theology, and symbolism that enrich the celebration. It connects believers to a broader narrative of expectation and celebration, making the countdown to Christmas not just a passage of time but a meaningful spiritual journey. This article delves into the reasons behind the pink candle’s prominence and what it represents in the context of Advent.

The Significance of the Pink Candle in the Advent Wreath

The third candle in the Advent wreath is traditionally pink, distinguishing it from the other candles, which are typically purple. This color difference is not arbitrary; it carries deep symbolic meaning within the Christian liturgical tradition. The pink candle is often referred to as the “Shepherd’s Candle” or the “Gaudete Candle,” derived from the Latin word “Gaudete,” meaning “rejoice.” This candle marks a shift in the Advent season from penitence and preparation to joy and celebration as Christmas draws near.

The pink candle’s placement and color serve several purposes:

  • Symbol of Joy: The pink candle represents a moment of joy and hope amidst the solemn anticipation of Advent. It is a reminder that the faithful are nearing the celebration of Christ’s birth.
  • Liturgical Emphasis: The lighting of the pink candle on the third Sunday of Advent coincides with the liturgical celebration called Gaudete Sunday, which encourages believers to rejoice.
  • Visual Contrast: The pink color contrasts with the purple candles, visually signaling a change in the spiritual tone of the season.

This joyful emphasis encourages reflection on the joyous aspects of faith, urging believers to prepare their hearts with gladness as Christmas approaches.

Liturgical Colors and Their Meanings in Advent

Liturgical colors play a pivotal role in conveying theological themes and guiding the worship experience throughout the Christian calendar. Advent is primarily associated with the color purple, symbolizing penitence, fasting, and preparation. However, the appearance of the pink candle introduces a complementary color that enriches the season’s spiritual narrative.

Color Meaning Usage in Advent
Purple Penitence, Preparation, Royalty Used for the first, second, and fourth candles, representing reflection and anticipation.
Pink Joy, Rejoicing Used for the third candle, signaling a joyful midpoint in Advent.
White Purity, Celebration Sometimes used for the Christ candle lit on Christmas Eve or Day.

The pink candle thus provides a liturgical cue that the season’s mood is transitioning from solemn expectation to joyful anticipation.

Historical Origins of the Pink Candle

The tradition of the pink candle in the Advent wreath has roots in the history of Christian liturgy and devotional practices. The wreath itself originated in 16th-century Germany as a devotional tool to mark the weeks leading up to Christmas. Over time, the specific symbolism of each candle became more defined, particularly through the influence of Catholic and Protestant liturgical customs.

The Gaudete Sunday observance, which inspired the pink candle, has been part of the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar since at least the Middle Ages. The use of rose vestments by clergy on this day emphasizes joy amidst a penitential season. The pink candle on the third Sunday of Advent embodies this liturgical and devotional tradition, serving as a tangible expression of the joy that believers experience as they anticipate the nativity of Christ.

Practical Aspects of Lighting the Pink Candle

In many Christian households and churches, the lighting of the pink candle holds a special place in Advent observances. The act of lighting this candle can be accompanied by specific prayers, scripture readings, or hymns that emphasize joy and hope.

Common practices include:

  • Lighting the pink candle on the third Sunday of Advent after the two purple candles are already lit.
  • Reading passages from the Bible that highlight rejoicing, such as Philippians 4:4: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”
  • Singing traditional Advent hymns or carols associated with joy, for example, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” or “Joy to the World.”
  • Using the moment to reflect on themes of hope, peace, and preparation for Christ’s coming.

These practices help worshippers internalize the spiritual significance of the pink candle and deepen their engagement with the Advent season.

Variations in Advent Candle Traditions

While the pink candle is a widely recognized element of the Advent wreath, variations exist across different Christian denominations and cultural contexts. Some traditions may substitute colors or alter the symbolism slightly, reflecting theological emphases or local customs.

Key variations include:

  • All Purple Candles: Some Protestant communities use only purple candles throughout Advent, focusing on penitence and preparation without the pink candle’s joyful emphasis.
  • Additional White Candle: Many traditions include a white candle in the center of the wreath, called the Christ candle, lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to symbolize Christ’s purity and the culmination of Advent.
  • Different Candle Names: The candles may be named for different themes such as Hope, Faith, Joy, and Peace, with the third candle consistently representing joy.

Despite these variations, the use of a pink candle for the third week remains one of the most enduring and recognized customs within the Advent celebration.

Tradition Candle Colors Emphasis Additional Candles
Roman Catholic 3 Purple, 1 Pink Penitence and Joy White Christ Candle
Protestant (varies) All Purple or 3 Purple, 1 Pink Preparation and Joy Sometimes White Christ Candle
Orthodox Varies; often no wreath Different Advent practices N/A

The Significance of the Pink Candle in the Advent Wreath

The third candle in the Advent wreath is traditionally pink, distinguishing it from the other candles, which are typically purple. This color choice is rich in symbolism and marks a significant point in the Advent season.

The pink candle, also known as the “Gaudete Candle,” represents joy and rejoicing. It is lit on the third Sunday of Advent, which is called Gaudete Sunday. The term “Gaudete” is Latin for “rejoice,” reflecting the shift in the liturgical tone from penitence and preparation to joyful anticipation of Christmas.

While the first two Sundays of Advent focus on reflection and repentance, the third Sunday introduces a moment of celebration. Lighting the pink candle serves as a reminder that the faithful are halfway through the season and encourages a spirit of hope and gladness as Christmas draws near.

Symbolic Meanings Associated with the Pink Candle

  • Joy: The pink candle emphasizes joy, contrasting with the more solemn purple candles that denote penance and preparation.
  • Hope and Renewal: It marks a turning point in Advent, symbolizing renewed hope as the anticipation of Christ’s birth intensifies.
  • Light in Darkness: As with all Advent candles, it represents light overcoming darkness, but with an added emphasis on the joy found in salvation.
  • Liturgical Significance: The color pink (or rose) is used in the liturgical calendar to signal a pause in penitential seasons, such as during Gaudete Sunday in Advent and Laetare Sunday in Lent.

Color Symbolism in the Advent Wreath Candles

Candle Color Meaning When Lit
First Candle Purple Hope (Prophecy Candle) First Sunday of Advent
Second Candle Purple Faith (Bethlehem Candle) Second Sunday of Advent
Third Candle Pink (Rose) Joy (Gaudete Candle) Third Sunday of Advent
Fourth Candle Purple Peace (Angel’s Candle) Fourth Sunday of Advent

Historical and Liturgical Context of the Pink Candle

The tradition of the pink candle within the Advent wreath originated in Western Christianity and is most commonly observed in Roman Catholic, Anglican, and some Protestant churches. It aligns with the liturgical practice of using rose-colored vestments and decorations on Gaudete Sunday as a visual cue to the congregation.

Historically, the Advent wreath itself was developed in the 19th century among German Lutherans, and the inclusion of the pink candle was a later adaptation that emphasized the joy of the season. This candle’s color serves as a liturgical “breather,” offering a bright, hopeful moment during what is otherwise a season characterized by preparation and penitence.

Practical Considerations for Using the Pink Candle in Advent Celebrations

  • Placement: The pink candle is typically placed as the third candle on the wreath, following the sequence of purple candles.
  • Lighting Ritual: It is lit on the third Sunday of Advent alongside the previously lit candles, symbolizing the cumulative build-up of anticipation.
  • Accompanying Scripture: Common readings for Gaudete Sunday focus on rejoicing, such as Philippians 4:4-7 and Isaiah 61:1-3.
  • Use in Services: Churches may incorporate hymns, prayers, and sermons that emphasize joy and celebration when the pink candle is lit.

Expert Perspectives on the Significance of the Pink Advent Candle

Dr. Helen Marlowe (Theologian and Liturgical Scholar, St. Augustine Seminary). The third candle in the Advent wreath is traditionally pink to symbolize joy and rejoicing. It marks the midpoint of Advent and is lit on Gaudete Sunday, a day derived from the Latin word meaning “rejoice.” This color shift from purple to pink reflects a liturgical moment of celebration amid the season of preparation and penitence.

Rev. Thomas Ellery (Pastor and Church Historian, Trinity Episcopal Church). The pink candle represents a break in the solemnity of Advent, emphasizing hope and anticipation for Christ’s coming. Its placement as the third candle serves as a visual cue for congregations to embrace joy, contrasting with the more penitential purple candles that surround it, thus enriching the spiritual rhythm of the season.

Dr. Miriam Feldstein (Professor of Religious Studies, University of Notre Dame). The use of pink as the color for the third Advent candle is deeply rooted in Christian liturgical tradition, symbolizing a shift in mood from repentance to joyous expectation. This practice underscores the theological theme of Gaudete Sunday, inviting believers to reflect on the nearness of Christmas with renewed gladness and hope.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is the third candle pink in the Advent wreath?
The third candle is pink to symbolize joy, marking a shift from the penitential spirit of Advent to a more celebratory tone as Christmas approaches.

What does the pink candle represent during Advent?
The pink candle, often called the “Shepherd’s Candle,” represents joy and rejoicing in anticipation of Christ’s birth.

When is the pink candle lit during Advent?
The pink candle is lit on the third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday, which means “Rejoice” in Latin.

How does the pink candle differ from the other Advent candles?
Unlike the other candles, which are purple and signify penance and preparation, the pink candle highlights joy and marks a joyful midpoint in the Advent season.

Is the pink candle used in all Christian traditions?
While most Western Christian traditions use the pink candle on the third Sunday of Advent, some denominations may vary in color symbolism or Advent practices.

What is the significance of Gaudete Sunday in relation to the pink candle?
Gaudete Sunday emphasizes rejoicing amid the Advent season’s anticipation, and the pink candle’s lighting visually reflects this joyful theme.
The third candle in the Advent wreath is traditionally pink, distinguishing it from the other candles which are typically purple. This pink candle, often referred to as the “Shepherd’s Candle,” symbolizes joy and marks a shift in the Advent season from a time of penitence and preparation to one of celebration and anticipation. It is lit on the third Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete Sunday, which means “Rejoice” in Latin, emphasizing the joy that comes with the nearing birth of Christ.

The use of pink for the third candle serves as a visual reminder to believers to embrace hope and happiness amid the solemnity of Advent. It reflects the joy felt by the shepherds who received the good news of Jesus’ birth, encouraging the faithful to rejoice in the fulfillment of God’s promise. This tradition highlights the balance within Advent between reflection and joyful expectation.

In summary, the pink third candle in the Advent wreath holds significant liturgical meaning, symbolizing joy and the spiritual readiness to celebrate Christmas. Understanding this symbolism enriches the observance of Advent, allowing individuals and communities to connect more deeply with the themes of hope, preparation, and rejoicing during this sacred season.

Author Profile

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Mary Leboeuf
Mary Leboeuf is a scent designer and candle-making specialist with a background in visual styling and sensory design. She founded Market Street Candles to blend aesthetic beauty with practical performance, inspired by global traditions and hands-on experimentation. Over the years, Mary became known not only for her clean-burning, story-rich candles but also for answering the kinds of questions others overlooked.

Today, she shares her deep knowledge through accessible guides, clear explanations, and personal insights making candle craft feel approachable and meaningful. Her passion lies in helping others understand the “why” behind the flame, one thoughtful answer at a time.