Advent wreath marks traditional beginning of holiday season Published Dec. 1, 2009 By Iris Reiff 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The four Sundays of Advent mark the beginning of Christmas celebrations, and with it the beginning of the church year. The time of Advent, or the weeks leading to Christmas, has existed in the Western church since the 6th century and was originally a time for fasting. It wasn't until the period of Enlightenment that Advent became more of a time when families prepare for Christmas. The Advent wreath became popular in northern Germany soon after World War I. Since the 1930s, it has become popular throughout all German-speaking parts of Europe. The wreath is made of fir branches and has four candles. The first candle was lit on Nov. 29. Additional candles are lit each Advent Sunday until all four have been lit signifying Christmas has arrived.