It wasn t until the 20th century that the red stripes were added. The Advent wreath began as a Lutheran custom in Eastern Germany. They were made round as a symbol of God s eternity and of evergreens to represent immortality and the everlastingness of God. The four weeks of Advent are represented by three purple or violet candles for penance, sorrow, and longing, and one rose or pink candle to represent hope and joy. During the Christmas season, they are replaced by solid white candles.
Customs vary from country to country, much as the donor, as to the giving of gifts.
Some teach that the gifts are given by elves, angels, the Christ child, three kings, St. Nicholas, or Santa Claus. In Brussels, living gifts are presented to friends and loved ones, such as birds, flowers, or pets. In the West Indies, hospitality or talent is exchanged as a sign of good will, not material gifts. The story of the most-famous of gift givers varies from one source to another, with many opinions in between. The most popular version of the tale of St. Nicholas follows.