Advent

The Liturgical Period

Advent (from the Latin Adventus meaning “coming”) is the liturgical period preceding Christmas used to prepare for the celebration of the birth of Jesus and is symbolizedd by expectation and desire.

Advent Traditions

The Advent Crown

Made of fir, pine, holly and sometimes mistletoe branches, it is prepared for the first Sunday of Advent. The crown is tied with red ribbons, decorated with four candles and occasionally adorned with pine cones.
It can be displayed horizontally or suspended decoratively (without the candles) on doors or windows.
This crown is an ancient symbol that has several meanings:

The circular shape reminiscent of the sun is an announcement of its yearly return.
The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent and are lit on each of the four Sundays. The last candle is lit on Christmas.
The candles are most often red to symbolize fire and therefore light. In Sweden the candles are white, a color which signifies celebration and purity. In Austria the candles are purple, a color which is a symbol for penance.
The number four represents the four seasons as well as the four cardinal points.
The green color of the crown represents vegetation; a sign of hope during the long winter months.
For Christians, the crown is also a symbol of the Lord Christ and the holly is reminiscent of the crown of thorns that Christ wore on his head.

The Advent Calendar

This German tradition was invented as a way for children to countdown the days until Christmas. Originally, each morning the children would receive a religious picture on which would be written a biblical passage or an incitement to do a good deed. The pictures were later replaced with cookies and subsequently with chocolates.
The calendar is often a cardboard plank with 24 pre-cut windows that are opened progressively, one a day. You can read the gospel or take the treat that it contains. In the last few years, especially in Germany, little toys are hidden in the windows.

Saint Nicholas Day

During this period, the people of Western and Northern Europe celebrate Saint Nicholas Day on December 6. In France, this tradition lives on mostly in the east.

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