Advent candles are part of the Christian tradition that marks the season of Advent, which begins four Sundays before Christmas. Typically, a wreath made of evergreen branches holds four candles, each representing a week of Advent. The candles are often colored purple, symbolizing hope and preparation, with a pink candle for the third week, representing joy. Each Sunday, one candle is lit during a special ceremony, accompanied by prayers and readings. The lighting of the candles symbolizes the anticipation of the coming of Jesus Christ and the light He brings into the world. The final candle, usually white, is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.