The Advent Wreath is a custom that originated in Eastern Germany. Wreaths are round as a symbol of God's eternity and mercy, of which every season of Advent is a new reminder; and are made of evergreens to symbolize God's "ever-lastingness" and our immortality. Green is also the Church's color of hope and new life. Four candles, three purple and one pink, are placed within to represent the four weeks of advent. Purple reminds us to turn our hearts toward God; pink is a color of joy. The last candle, the white one, is lighted December 25th to represent the birth of Christ. Wreaths are an ancient symbol of victory and symbolize the "fulfillment of time" in the coming of Christ and the glory of His birth.