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The meaning of Advent -

Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning "arrival." It marks the beginning of the Christian liturgical year and prepares believers for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas.

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Early beginnings of Advent -

Historians trace the first formal Advent celebrations to northern Italy in the fifth century, where churchgoers observed a weeks-long period of preparation for Christmas, marked by fasting and prayer.

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St. Martin's Lent -

By the sixth century, French Christians adopted a five-week fasting period before Christmas called St. Martin's Lent. This period laid the foundation for the four-week Advent season later introduced.

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Advent as a liturgical season -

By the Middle Ages, Advent became the first season of the Christian liturgical year. It was a time to reflect on the coming of Christ, both in the past and in the future.

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Four Sundays of Advent -

Advent spans four Sundays, starting on the Sunday closest to November 30, the feast day of St. Andrew. 

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Christian virtues of Advent -

Each Sunday of Advent corresponds to a Christian virtue: hope, peace, joy, and love.

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Spiritual preparation for Christmas -

Advent is a time of anticipation for the celebration of Christ's birth. It encourages believers to reflect on their faith and spiritual readiness for Christmas, while also marking the beginning of the festive season.

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The Advent wreath -

The Advent wreath is a popular symbol of the season. Introduced in 1838 by German pastor Johann Wichern, it features four candles; three purple, one pink, and sometimes a white Christ candle in the center.

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The traditional lightning of candles -

Each Sunday during Advent, one candle on the wreath is lit, symbolizing the growing light of Christ in the darkness. The final candle is lit on Christmas Eve, marking Christ's birth.

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The Advent calendar -

The Advent calendar originated in Germany during the 19th century as a way for children to count down to Christmas. It traditionally features 24 doors or windows, revealing small treats. 

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Advent today -

Today, Advent is celebrated worldwide with traditions such as the Advent wreath, baking, and calendars, becoming a time to prepare for and anticipate the joy of Christmas.

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Advent around the world -

So, how is Advent celebrated in different countries? From Germany to Mexico, click on to find out. 

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Germany -

In Germany, families light a candle on their Advent wreath each Sunday while singing carols. Traditional treats like stollen (pictured) and chocolate-filled Advent calendars add to the festive anticipation of Christmas.

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United States -

In the US, many Christian households celebrate Advent by lighting candles each Sunday, often accompanied by Bible readings. Advent calendars are popular, and many embrace the season through charity and volunteering.

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Mexico -

In Mexico, Advent is marked by Las Posadas, a nine-day celebration from December 16 to 24 reenacting Mary and Joseph's journey. Each evening, children walk in a procession to various homes, often receiving refreshments. Friends and family gather to celebrate with songs, piñatas, and festive traditions.

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Sweden -

Sweden's Advent celebrations blend beautifully with its winter traditions. A highlight is St. Lucia's Day on December 13, involving girls and boys in white gowns singing songs together, with one girl wearing a candle crown to symbolize light in winter's darkness. Swedes also light Advent candles, one each Sunday, and enjoy festive treats like saffron buns (lussekatter) and mulled wine.

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Italy -

In Italy, Advent begins with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8. Families set up presepi (nativity scenes), and churches are adorned with festive decorations. 

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France -

In France, Advent calendars with chocolate treats are popular, and regions like Alsace and Lyon celebrate with festive events, including light festivals and Saint Nicolas parades.

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Poland -

In Poland, Advent is a time for prayer, fasting, and preparing for Christmas. People make decorations, bake treats, and attend early morning roraty Masses. Christmas markets in cities like Krakow feature festive booths with gifts and sweets.

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Russia -

In Russia, Advent is observed as the Nativity Fast, a period of prayer and fasting leading up to Orthodox Christmas, celebrated on January 7. On Christmas Eve, families enjoy a festive meal, including traditional kutya (sweet grain pudding).

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Austria -

Austria, the birthplace of the cherished Christmas hymn 'Silent Night' (originally written in German in 1818), celebrates Advent with traditions like baking cookies, crafting decorations, tying wreaths, and gathering at festive Christmas markets.

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Finland -

In Finland, St. Thomas' Day on December 21 signals the start of Christmas preparations, including markets and holiday baking. Finns also attend church and enjoy the Joulusauna (Christmas sauna) on Christmas Eve.

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Denmark -

In Denmark, Advent features candle-lit wreaths, festive lunches, and homes adorned with decorations. Families craft julehjerte (Christmas hearts) and enjoy joyful gatherings and community celebrations throughout the season.

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Spain -

In Spain, Advent starts with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8. Families set up nativity scenes and celebrate La Novena. The season also includes Christmas markets and lights.

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Australia -

December coincides with summer in Australia, so celebrations often take place outdoors. Popular traditions include carols and festive barbecues or picnics.

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Hungary -

In Hungary, Advent traditions include daily matins, the Angelic or Golden Mass, Advent wreaths, and calendars with chocolates. A popular treat is beigli, a pastry filled with poppy seeds or walnuts.

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United Kingdom -

In the UK, Advent is celebrated in churches with the traditional lighting of a candle each Sunday. Festive Christmas markets and sparkling light displays across towns and cities add to the seasonal cheer.

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Croatia -

In Croatia, a predominantly Catholic country, Advent begins with St. Catherine's Day on November 25. Traditions include lighting Advent wreath candles and enjoying festive markets with crafts, chestnuts, and mulled wine.

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China -

In China, about 72 million Christians (5.1% of its population) celebrate Advent by decorating with colorful lanterns and red paper pagodas. Traditions include Western-inspired customs and gifting apples wrapped in festive paper, symbolizing peace.

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Switzerland -

In Switzerland, Advent features candle-lit wreaths, daily Advent calendar surprises, and festive traditions like caroling, concerts, and Christmas markets. 

Sources: (National Geographic) (CNN) 

See also: The captivating story behind the Advent calendar

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