Before Christ came wreaths had long been in use, as symbols of fertility ... A special form of wreath is the Advent Wreath, lit each evening by a designated member of the family.

During Advent and Christmas Christians acknowledge the need for a Savior and holly reminds them of this: the holly bough is one of St. John the Baptist's symbols; the Saint heralded our Lord's ...

The third Sunday of Advent — known as Gaudete Sunday — is commonly marked by the use of rose-colored candles and vestments, according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.