The Adventskranz is a German Christmas tradition that has roots in the orphanages of Berlin in the mid-1800s. By World War I almost all German household who celebrated Christmas had an advent wreath in their home. Traditionally the Advent Wreath is composed of evergreen boughs and four candles. One candle is lit on the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. Many wreaths include a fifth candle that is lit on Christmas day.
