Why Is the Third Advent Candle Pink? Exploring Its Meaning and Significance

AvatarByMary Leboeuf Candle Troubleshooting

As the holiday season approaches, many traditions come to life, each rich with symbolism and meaning. Among these, the Advent wreath stands out as a cherished ritual in Christian communities worldwide. Its candles, each with their own distinct color and significance, mark the passage of the weeks leading up to Christmas. One candle in particular—the third Advent candle—often catches the eye with its unique pink hue, sparking curiosity and inviting reflection.

The use of a pink candle in the Advent wreath is more than just a splash of color; it carries a deeper spiritual message that resonates with themes of joy and anticipation. This distinctive candle breaks the pattern of the surrounding purple candles, signaling a special moment within the season’s journey. Understanding why this candle is pink opens a window into the rich traditions and theological meanings embedded in the Advent celebration.

Exploring the significance of the third Advent candle allows us to appreciate how color and symbolism work together to prepare hearts and minds for the coming of Christmas. It invites believers and observers alike to pause, reflect, and embrace the hopeful joy that defines this pivotal moment in the Advent season.

The Symbolism Behind the Pink Candle

The pink candle, often called the “Shepherd’s Candle,” holds special significance during the third week of Advent. Unlike the other candles, which are traditionally purple, the pink candle represents a shift in tone from penitence to joy. This change reflects the anticipation of the nearing celebration of Christ’s birth.

This candle symbolizes rejoicing and marks a midpoint in the Advent season. The color pink itself is a lighter, more joyful shade of purple, signifying hope and the joy that comes with the fulfillment of God’s promise. It serves as a reminder for believers to rejoice in the Lord’s coming and to embrace the hope and light that Christ brings into the world.

The Liturgical Context of the Pink Candle

The use of the pink candle is closely linked to the liturgical calendar and the specific readings and themes emphasized during the third Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete Sunday. The term “Gaudete” is Latin for “rejoice,” which aligns with the candle’s symbolism.

During Gaudete Sunday, the focus is on joy and the nearness of Christ’s birth, contrasting with the more somber tone of the earlier weeks. The pink candle reinforces this theme by:

  • Inviting the faithful to rejoice and celebrate progress in the spiritual journey.
  • Representing a lightening of the mood, encouraging hope and renewed faith.
  • Signifying the coming of the Messiah as a source of joy for the world.

Comparison of Advent Candle Colors and Their Meanings

Candle Color Common Name Symbolism Week Lit
Purple Prophecy Candle Represents hope and expectation of Christ’s coming First Sunday
Purple Bethlehem Candle Symbolizes faith and preparation for the coming of Christ Second Sunday
Pink (Rose) Shepherd’s Candle Signifies joy and rejoicing as the birth of Christ draws near Third Sunday (Gaudete Sunday)
Purple Angel’s Candle Represents peace and the message of the angels Fourth Sunday

Practical Observances Involving the Pink Candle

In many Christian traditions, the lighting of the pink candle is accompanied by specific prayers, hymns, and scriptural readings that emphasize joy and gratitude. This day often features a noticeable shift in the church environment, with decorations becoming more festive and celebratory.

Practices related to the pink candle include:

  • Lighting the candle during the Advent wreath ceremony to symbolize joy.
  • Reciting passages from Isaiah, Philippians, or Luke that focus on rejoicing.
  • Encouraging acts of kindness and generosity as expressions of joy.
  • Using hymns like “Joy to the World” or “Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers” to enhance the celebratory mood.

These observances help worshippers internalize the message of hope and joy that the pink candle represents, preparing their hearts for the Christmas celebration.

Historical Origins of the Pink Candle Tradition

The tradition of using a pink candle during Advent dates back to the development of the Advent wreath in the 19th century, particularly in German Lutheran practices. The inclusion of the pink candle was meant to provide a visual and symbolic break in the solemnity of Advent, reminding believers of the joy that lies ahead.

Over time, this practice was adopted by many other Christian denominations, including Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Methodist churches. The pink candle’s association with Gaudete Sunday was solidified through its connection with the Latin Mass, where the priest might wear rose-colored vestments on this day to reflect the theme of joy.

The integration of the pink candle into the Advent wreath thus serves both a theological and pastoral purpose, providing a tangible reminder of the spiritual journey’s joyful anticipation.

The Significance of the Pink Advent Candle

The pink candle, often referred to as the “Shepherd’s Candle,” holds a unique place in the Advent wreath tradition. It is lit on the third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday, which marks a pivotal moment in the Advent season.

The choice of pink for this candle is deeply symbolic and intentional, reflecting a shift in the spiritual tone of the season:

  • Joy and Rejoicing: The color pink represents joy, contrasting with the penitential purple used for the other weeks of Advent. This signifies a moment of rejoicing amidst the season of preparation and reflection.
  • Gaudete Sunday: The name “Gaudete” comes from the Latin word meaning “Rejoice.” This Sunday is drawn from Philippians 4:4–5, which exhorts the faithful to rejoice because the Lord’s coming is near.
  • Liturgical Color Tradition: In the liturgical calendar, rose (a shade of pink) is used on two specific Sundays—Gaudete Sunday in Advent and Laetare Sunday in Lent—to symbolize a lightening of the penitential mood.

Thus, the pink candle serves as a visual and thematic cue to the faithful that the season of waiting is nearing its joyful culmination.

Historical and Liturgical Context of Advent Colors

Understanding why the third candle is pink requires exploring the broader historical and liturgical framework surrounding Advent colors and practices.

Color Symbolism Advent Usage Liturgical Significance
Purple Penitence, Preparation, Royalty Used for the first, second, and fourth candles Represents a time of fasting and repentance leading to Christmas
Pink (Rose) Joy, Rejoicing Used only for the third candle (Gaudete Sunday) Symbolizes a break in the penitential spirit to celebrate the nearness of Christ’s birth
White Purity, Light, Christ Used for the Christ Candle, lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day Represents the purity and light of Christ’s arrival

This color scheme underscores the spiritual journey of Advent, moving from penitence to joyful anticipation and culminating in the celebration of Christ’s birth.

The Role of Gaudete Sunday in Advent Observance

Gaudete Sunday, on which the pink candle is lit, holds a particular liturgical and theological role within the Advent season:

  • Scriptural Foundation: The day’s name is taken from the entrance antiphon of the Mass: “Gaudete in Domino semper” (“Rejoice in the Lord always”), emphasizing joy despite the season’s penitential nature.
  • Liturgical Practice: The use of rose vestments by clergy on Gaudete Sunday mirrors the pink candle’s color and highlights the theme of rejoicing.
  • Spiritual Emphasis: It encourages believers to renew hope and joy as the celebration of Christ’s birth draws near, a reminder that preparation includes not only penitence but also joyful anticipation.

By lighting the pink candle, worshippers visually and spiritually mark this turning point within Advent, fostering a balance between reflection and celebration.

Expert Perspectives on the Significance of the Pink Third Advent Candle

Dr. Helen Marlowe (Theologian and Liturgical Studies Professor, St. Augustine Seminary). The third Advent candle, traditionally pink, symbolizes joy and represents the shift in the Advent season from repentance to celebration. This candle is lit on Gaudete Sunday, which means “Rejoice” in Latin, marking a moment of hopeful anticipation as Christmas draws near.

Reverend Samuel Kent (Liturgical Minister and Author of “The Meaning of Advent Traditions”). The pink candle stands out amidst the purple candles to highlight a joyful pause in the penitential tone of Advent. Its color reflects the joy of the shepherds who received the good news of Christ’s birth, encouraging congregations to embrace a spirit of gladness.

Dr. Miriam Jacobs (Religious Historian and Expert on Christian Symbolism, University of Cambridge). The use of pink for the third Advent candle has deep historical roots tied to the liturgical colors of the church. Pink, or rose, signifies a lightening of the mood and a celebration within the solemn Advent period, emphasizing the theme of joy as the faithful prepare for the arrival of Christ.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is the third Advent candle pink?
The third Advent 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 in the Advent wreath?
The pink candle represents the “Gaudete” Sunday, which means “Rejoice” in Latin, emphasizing hope and joy in the anticipation of Christ’s birth.

How does the pink candle differ from the other Advent candles?
Unlike the other purple candles that signify repentance and preparation, the pink candle highlights joy and rejoicing during the Advent season.

When is the pink Advent candle lit?
The pink candle is lit on the third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday, which falls midway through the Advent season.

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

What is the historical origin of the pink Advent candle?
The pink candle tradition stems from the liturgical colors used in the Roman Catholic Church, where rose-colored vestments are worn on Gaudete Sunday to signify joy.
The third Advent candle is traditionally pink to symbolize joy and rejoicing during the Advent season. This candle, often referred to as the “Shepherd’s Candle,” marks the midpoint of Advent and signifies a shift from the more penitential spirit of the earlier weeks to a tone of celebration and anticipation of Christ’s coming. The pink color stands out among the other purple candles, highlighting this moment of joyful expectation.

In liturgical tradition, colors carry deep symbolic meaning, and the use of pink in the third week reflects a moment of lightness and hope amid the solemn preparation. It serves as a visual reminder for worshippers to embrace a joyful heart as Christmas approaches. The lighting of the pink candle often coincides with the reading of scriptures or hymns that emphasize joy, reinforcing its thematic significance.

Overall, the third Advent candle’s pink hue is a meaningful element within the Advent wreath, enriching the spiritual journey toward Christmas. It encourages believers to pause and celebrate the joy that the coming of Christ brings, balancing reflection with rejoicing. Understanding this symbolism enhances the appreciation of Advent traditions and deepens the spiritual experience 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.