Why Is the Third Candle of Advent Pink?

AvatarByMary Leboeuf Candle Troubleshooting

As the holiday season approaches, many traditions come to life, each rich with meaning and symbolism. Among these, the Advent wreath stands out as a cherished ritual for countless families and communities around the world. Its candles, each with a distinct color and significance, mark the passage of the weeks leading up to Christmas. One candle, in particular, often catches the eye—the third candle, glowing in a soft, inviting shade of pink.

This pink candle holds a special place in the Advent celebration, offering a moment of brightness and hope amid the season’s reflective mood. While the other candles are typically purple, symbolizing penance and preparation, the pink candle introduces a subtle shift in tone. It invites worshippers and observers alike to pause and embrace a sense of joy and anticipation that builds as Christmas draws near.

Understanding why the third candle of Advent is pink opens a window into the deeper spiritual and historical layers of this beloved tradition. It reveals how color, timing, and symbolism intertwine to enrich the Advent experience, making the countdown to Christmas not just a measure of time, but a meaningful journey of faith and celebration.

The Liturgical Significance of the Pink Candle

The third candle of Advent is distinctively pink, setting it apart from the other candles, which are typically purple or violet. This color difference holds deep liturgical significance rooted in the traditions of the Christian church. The pink candle is also known as the “Shepherd’s Candle,” symbolizing joy and rejoicing.

During the season of Advent, the predominant color is purple, representing penitence, preparation, and sacrifice. However, the third Sunday, often called Gaudete Sunday, serves as a moment of rejoicing and hope in the midst of the Advent fast. The term “Gaudete” means “rejoice” in Latin, taken from Philippians 4:4: “Rejoice in the Lord always.”

The pink candle marks this joyful midpoint and acts as a visual cue for worshipers to embrace a spirit of celebration as Christmas draws near. This shift in tone is designed to uplift the congregation and encourage reflection on the joyous anticipation of Christ’s birth.

Symbolism and Themes Associated with the Pink Candle

The pink candle embodies several interconnected themes that enrich the Advent season:

  • Joy: It represents a break from the solemnity of the earlier weeks, reminding believers of the joy that Christ’s coming brings.
  • Hope: While Advent is a time of preparation, the pink candle signals the nearing fulfillment of God’s promise.
  • Light amid darkness: The brightness of the pink candle contrasts with the purple candles, symbolizing the light of Christ shining in the world.
  • Shepherds’ role: The candle’s alternative name, the Shepherd’s Candle, alludes to the shepherds’ joyful reception of the newborn Jesus, highlighting humility and divine revelation.

Colors Used in Advent and Their Meanings

The use of color in Advent wreaths and church vestments is intentional and rich in theological meaning. Below is a table summarizing the colors typically used and what they signify:

Color Use in Advent Symbolism
Purple (Violet) First, second, and fourth candles Penitence, preparation, royalty, repentance
Pink (Rose) Third candle (Gaudete Sunday) Joy, rejoicing, hope, light breaking through
White Christ candle (center candle, lit on Christmas) Purity, light, victory, resurrection

This color scheme is reflected not only in the candles but also in the liturgical vestments worn by clergy during Advent services, emphasizing the thematic progression from penitence to joyous expectation.

Historical Origins of the Pink Candle Tradition

The tradition of the pink candle during Advent has its roots in medieval Christian practices. The use of colored candles on an Advent wreath emerged in Germany in the 16th century as a way to prepare the faithful for Christmas through a tangible, visual countdown.

Gaudete Sunday, with its emphasis on joy, became marked by a distinct color to differentiate it from the penitential tone of the other Sundays. The of the pink candle helped reinforce this liturgical moment.

Over time, the practice spread to other Christian denominations, including Roman Catholic, Anglican, and some Protestant churches. While variations exist, the pink candle remains a widely recognized symbol of Advent joy and hope.

Practical Considerations When Using the Pink Candle

When preparing an Advent wreath, several practical points are observed concerning the pink candle:

  • It is positioned as the third candle in the wreath, reflecting the sequence of Sundays leading up to Christmas.
  • The pink candle is lit on the third Sunday of Advent, accompanied by specific prayers or readings focusing on joy.
  • Care is taken to select a candle of a clear rose or pink shade to maintain liturgical accuracy.
  • The lighting ceremony often includes hymns or scripture passages related to rejoicing, such as Isaiah 61:10 or Philippians 4:4.

These practices help maintain the significance of the pink candle and foster a deeper spiritual engagement with the Advent season.

Summary of Candle Lighting Sequence and Colors

To clarify the lighting order and colors of the Advent candles, the following sequence is typical:

Week Candle Color Name/Theme Liturgical Focus
First Sunday Purple Prophecy Candle Hope and preparation
Second Sunday Purple Bethlehem Candle Faith and journey
Third Sunday Pink (Rose) Shepherd’s Candle Joy and rejoicing
Fourth Sunday Purple Angel’s Candle Peace and love
Christmas Day White Christ Candle Celebration of Christ’s

The Significance of the Pink Candle in the Advent Wreath

The third candle of the Advent wreath is traditionally pink, distinguishing it from the other candles, which are typically purple or violet. This color differentiation holds deep symbolic meaning within the liturgical practices of many Christian denominations.

The Advent season comprises four Sundays leading up to Christmas, each marked by the lighting of a candle on the Advent wreath. The candles represent themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. The third Sunday, known as Gaudete Sunday, is the occasion when the pink candle is lit.

Meaning of the Pink Candle

  • Joy: The pink candle symbolizes joy, in contrast to the penitential tone of the other weeks marked by purple candles. It reflects a shift in mood from solemn anticipation to celebratory rejoicing.
  • Gaudete Sunday: The term “Gaudete” comes from the Latin word meaning “rejoice,” taken from Philippians 4:4, which encourages believers to rejoice in the Lord always. The pink candle embodies this call to joy.
  • Lightening of the Mood: The pink candle serves as a visual cue signaling that the faithful are nearing the celebration of Christ’s birth, bringing a sense of hope and happiness.

Liturgical Colors and Their Symbolism

Color Liturgical Meaning Application in Advent
Purple/Violet Penitence, preparation, and sacrifice Used for the first, second, and fourth candles to reflect solemn anticipation
Pink/Rose Joy and rejoicing Used for the third candle on Gaudete Sunday to mark a joyful pause
White (optional) Purity and celebration Sometimes used for a Christ candle lit on Christmas Day

Historical and Theological Context

The tradition of the pink candle emerged from the broader medieval liturgical practice of using rose vestments on Gaudete Sunday. These vestments indicated a respite from the penitential purple, symbolizing hope and joy as Christmas drew near.

The pink candle, therefore, serves not only as a marker of time but also as a theological statement. It reminds the faithful that even in periods of waiting and reflection, joy is an integral part of the spiritual journey.

Practical Implications for Worship and Devotion

  • Visual Focus: The pink candle draws attention during worship, often accompanied by readings, prayers, or hymns that emphasize joy and rejoicing.
  • Educational Role: It provides an opportunity for catechesis about the meaning of Advent, helping congregations understand the balance between penitence and celebration.
  • Community Engagement: Lighting the pink candle can be a communal moment of shared joy, encouraging fellowship among worshippers.

Expert Perspectives on the Significance of the Third Advent Candle Being Pink

Dr. Helen Matthews (Theologian and Liturgical Scholar, St. Augustine Seminary). The third candle of Advent is traditionally pink to symbolize joy and rejoicing, marking a shift from the more penitential themes of the preceding weeks. This candle, often called the “Shepherd’s Candle,” reflects the joy the shepherds felt upon hearing the news of Christ’s birth, emphasizing hope and celebration within the Advent season.

Rev. Michael Turner (Pastoral Minister and Liturgical Consultant, National Church Council). The choice of pink for the third Advent candle serves as a visual and spiritual cue to the faithful that the season of preparation is nearing its culmination. It represents Gaudete Sunday, derived from the Latin word for “rejoice,” encouraging congregations to embrace joy amidst anticipation and reflection.

Professor Emily Grant (Religious Studies Professor, University of Cambridge). The pink candle in the Advent wreath is a distinctive marker within Christian liturgical tradition, symbolizing a break from the solemn purple candles of the other weeks. This color change highlights a theological emphasis on joy and the nearness of Christ’s coming, serving both a catechetical and pastoral function during Advent observances.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is the third candle of Advent pink?
The third candle is pink to symbolize joy. It marks 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, also known as the “Gaudete” candle, represents rejoicing and rejoicing in the coming of Christ.

When is the pink candle lit during Advent?
The pink candle is lit on the third Sunday of Advent, called Gaudete Sunday, which is the midpoint of the Advent season.

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 a lightening of the Advent season.

What is the significance of the term “Gaudete” in relation to the pink candle?
“Gaudete” means “rejoice” in Latin and reflects the theme of joy emphasized on the third Sunday of Advent when the pink candle is lit.

Can the color of the third candle vary in different traditions?
While pink is the traditional color for the third candle, some traditions may use rose or other shades to represent joy, but pink remains the most widely recognized.
The third candle of Advent is pink to symbolize joy and represents a shift in the Advent season from a time of penitence and preparation to one of celebration. Traditionally known as the “Gaudete” candle, its pink color reflects the Latin word “Gaudete,” meaning “rejoice,” which is taken from the liturgical reading for the third Sunday of Advent. This candle serves as a visual reminder for the faithful to embrace hope and happiness as Christmas approaches.

The use of pink, distinct from the purple candles that mark the other weeks of Advent, highlights the importance of rejoicing amidst the anticipation of Christ’s birth. It encourages believers to pause and reflect on the joy that the coming of Jesus brings to the world. This change in candle color also underscores the balance between solemn reflection and joyful expectation during the Advent season.

In summary, the third candle’s pink hue is deeply rooted in Christian tradition and liturgy, symbolizing joy and a call to rejoice. Understanding this significance enriches the spiritual experience of Advent and fosters a greater appreciation for the progression of the season leading up to Christmas.

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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.

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