 Advent wreath, the Advent wreath, or Advent crown, is a Christian tradition that symbolizes the passage of the four weeks of Advent in the liturgical calendar of the Western Church. It is traditionally the Lutheran practice, although it has spread to many other Christian denominations. Advent is usually a horizontal evergreen wreath with four candles, sometimes with a fifth, white candle in the center. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent, the lighting of a candle can be accompanied by a Bible reading, devotional time and prayers. An additional candle is lit during each subsequent week until, by the last Sunday before Christmas, all four candles are lit. Many Advent wreaths include the fifth, Christ candle which is lit at Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. The custom is observed both in family settings and at public church services.