In Denmark we make count-downs in different
ways. The tradition of the Wreath for Advent came from Germany about 1900.
This tradition in the beginning was used only nearby the frontier of
Germany, but from about 1939-40 the florists began to spread the idea
all over Denmark.
The traditional wreath was made of fir in which four white candles
were stuck.
Red ribbons were twisted around the wreath
which were also used to hang down from the ceiling.
On the first Sunday of Advent one candle is
lightened, the second Sunday the second candle... and so on until the
forth Sunday.
If the wreath is lightened during the week
you'll lighten only the candles already "started". If they
burn down, you just put a new one in the wreath.
In the Lutherian churches this wreath and the
fir are normally the only ornament.
Today you can find new ways of making wreaths
in ceramics, in wrought iron, and so on.
If you'd like to make one why don't you try
to make one with salt dough?
