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The earliest source of Advent celebrations is unclear, but experts believe that the four-week period of Advent has been observed since the 4th century. Stemming from the Latin term for "arrival," it initially served as a period for those converting to Christianity to get ready for baptism.
The traditional countdown to Christmas is symbolized by the opening of doors on an Advent calendar. This beloved tradition, like other Christmas customs, originated in Germany.
Prior to the 1700s, children in Germany received gifts on Saint Nicholas' Day, observed on December 6. Martin Luther, a German Protestant reformist, disapproved of saint veneration and changed the date to align with Christmas.
Martin Luther is often recognized as the person who introduced the practice of having Christmas trees. According to popular belief, he began this tradition when he was returning home on a chilly winter evening and noticed the sparkling stars amidst the pine trees.
The practice of counting down to Christmas originated in Germany during the late 1800s. Lutheran Protestants started this tradition by marking every day from December 1st to the 24th with chalk on their doors.
The Advent calendar as we know it today has its roots in Germany's fondness for sweets and their penchant for celebrating special occasions with grandeur. Candy plays a crucial role in this tradition.
According to the story, during the late 1800s, the mother of a young German boy named Gerhard Lang fixed 24 candies onto a piece of cardboard for her son to enjoy on each day of Advent. Lang was captivated by this, and when he grew up and became the owner of a printing office, he created what is believed to be the very first printed Advent calendar in 1908.
Lang initially created a calendar displaying Christmas-themed images on cardboard. He later improved the concept by adding small doors for each date, which appealed to German shoppers. This idea gained popularity among other manufacturers.
After the war, the production of Advent calendars resumed, showcasing more joyful scenes. In 1946, Richard Sellmer, a German man, achieved commercial success with his snowy "Little Town" calendar. It even attracted the attention of President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Sellmer collaborated with President Eisenhower to create a philanthropic calendar. Newsweek's publication of photos showing the president's three grandchildren opening the calendar doors quickly captured the hearts of Americans.
Patricia Nixon, spouse of Richard Nixon, vice president under Eisenhower, was also seen opening the calendar alongside her children. This concept gained popularity, giving birth to a cherished American tradition. Sellmer calendars continue to be popular and it is still possible to purchase reproductions of the original "Little Town" illustration.
In 1958, chocolate Advent calendars made their debut, delighting children with a sweet tooth. British chocolate company Cadbury elevated this tradition in 1971 by releasing their own version. As a result, by the mid-90s, the anticipation of receiving a calendar had become common among many children.
Advent calendars, which have become a Christmas tradition worldwide, started to develop their own significance and popularity.
Since the 1980s, the town hall in Gengenbach, Germany, has been transformed into a magnificent Advent calendar every winter. Each window is opened and illuminated gradually throughout the Christmas countdown, resulting in a one-of-a-kind Christmas spectacle with all 24 windows open on Christmas Day.
The German love of Advent calendars is such that several towns and cities rig up entire buildings in their image. The German town of Uslar also uses the windows of its town hall (pictured) as a giant calendar in December.
Since the early 2010s, Turin in Italy has been hosting a grand Advent calendar as part of its lavish Christmas decorations. The giant calendar has garnered international appeal for its impressive display.
LEGO introduced advent calendars in 1998, featuring figures or accessories behind each door. Themed editions like LEGO Star Wars calendars have amplified the excitement for collectors during the holiday season.
Advent calendar production is known for its creativity and competitiveness. Back in 2012, a remarkable feat was achieved in London's Covent Garden where the world's largest LEGO Advent calendar was built. This colossal structure, standing at a height of five meters (16.4 ft), utilized over 600,000 LEGO bricks.
Since 2014, it has become a tradition for British shopaholics to wait in line around the block for the Liberty London beauty Advent calendar. These calendars, offered by the high-end department store, consistently sell out quickly.
It's not only luxury brands that sell a large number of beauty calendars. Retailers appeal to a wide range of customers, including teenagers and grandparents, with their holiday offerings.
The popularity of Advent calendars for adults has also extended to pets. In recent years, there has been a significant rise in the availability of calendars designed for cats and dogs, with a special focus on canines.
These beauty and booze-filled calendars are in fierce competition with the traditional chocolate ones. However, hand-filled, personalized calendars have also been gaining popularity in recent years.
Christmas shoppers are now taking sustainability and Instagram attractiveness into consideration, as they add their own goodies to reusable or recyclable packaging.
This fresh take on the Advent tradition serves as both a decoration and a way to count down to Christmas, appealing to both adults and children.
Edible gingerbread advent calendars have gained popularity on social media platforms like Instagram since 2020.
The enduring popularity of the Advent calendar is evident, regardless of its form. Much like the beloved Christmas tree, it has become an essential component of the holiday countdown.
Sources: (Parenta) (Mental Floss)
See also: Iconic toys that defined the ‘80s
During World War II, a shortage of cardboard led to the closure of Lang's calendar business. The production of calendars with pictures was reportedly banned, and the Nazis substituted them with a pamphlet containing swastika and tank images.
The late 2010s witnessed a rise in the popularity of calendars featuring wine, beer, and spirits. It is not surprising that the year 2020, marked by the pandemic, experienced a significant increase in sales of these calendars, a trend that is likely to persist as people celebrate newfound freedoms.
From the early 2010s, retailers have realized that adults also enjoy Advent calendars. Besides tea, beer, and cheese-filled ones, beauty Advent calendars have become incredibly popular.From the early 2010s, retailers have realized that adults also enjoy Advent calendars. Besides tea, beer, and cheese-filled ones, beauty Advent calendars have become incredibly popular.
The lead-up to Christmas is incomplete without an Advent calendar. These calendars, with their little windows that uncover a Christmas scene, a chocolate treat, or even a tiny bottle of alcohol, are adored by people of all ages. But where did this tradition originate, and how has it evolved over time?
Like the Christmas tree, the story of the Advent calendar begins in Germany. If you're curious to know more, take a look through the gallery to explore the fascinating history of the Advent calendar.
The captivating story behind the Advent calendar
Today is the first day of Advent—time to open your first door!
LIFESTYLE Christmas
The lead-up to Christmas is incomplete without an Advent calendar. These calendars, with their little windows that uncover a Christmas scene, a chocolate treat, or even a tiny bottle of alcohol, are adored by people of all ages. But where did this tradition originate, and how has it evolved over time?
Like the Christmas tree, the story of the Advent calendar begins in Germany. If you're curious to know more, take a look through the gallery to explore the fascinating history of the Advent calendar.