Advent and the advent calendar: a surprise for every day

When does Advent begin and how is it celebrated?

The celebration of Advent usually begins four weeks before Christmas, on the first Advent Sunday. Celebrations vary according to cultures, traditions and religious beliefs, but there are some common elements in many areas of the world.

1. Advent wreaths: One of the most widespread symbols of Advent is the Advent wreath. This wreath is often made of wicker or other natural materials and decorated with green twigs, often with red ribbons and four candles. Each candle symbolizes one of the Advent Sundays and is lit one after the other each Sunday.
2. Prayers and spiritual exercises: Many people in Advent devote themselves more intensively to prayers and spiritual things. This can include attending Advent services, meditating on Bible texts with an Advent focus, and the like.
3. Ornaments and decoration: People decorate their homes during the Advent season, often using traditional colors and symbols. In addition to Advent wreaths, other decorations such as Nativity scenes, angels, stars and Christmas balls are also used. In this way, people create a pleasant atmosphere of anticipation.
4. Charity and giving: Advent is a time of generosity and love for one's neighbor. Many people try to be considerate of others, either by volunteering, donating to charities or preparing gifts for those in need.
5. Markets and events: Advent markets and events are held in some regions where people can buy Christmas gifts, taste traditional foods and drinks, and enjoy the atmosphere of shared anticipation with family and friends.
6. Special traditional foods: In some cultures, there are special foods that are associated with Advent. These recipes often emphasize traditional flavors and ingredients that are characteristic of the area.

Advent celebrations vary by culture and religious tradition, but are united by the effort to prepare for Christmas through spiritual, family and social activities.

The period before Christmas is inextricably linked with buying gifts for children and loved ones. With gifts, we want to please the family and show them that we love them and care about them.

Advent Calendar

 The advent calendar is a special way to track and anticipate the approaching Christmas . This traditional instrument has become a popular shared ritual for many families and individuals around the world. Its essence is that it counts down the days until Christmas and offers a small surprising gift every day .

Most Advent calendars have 24 windows or pockets, each marking one period of Advent, that is, every day until December 24 . Children, especially, open one window each day, creating tension and joy of anticipation.

The content of the advent calendars may vary. Sometimes it is small chocolates, candies or other sweets. Other calendars may contain small toys or ornaments .

How the advent calendar was created

The advent calendar has its origins in German Protestant households of the 19th century. Its origin is connected with the need to wait for Christmas and maintaining anticipation during the Advent season . The first advent calendar appeared in the second half of the 19th century in the area of Hamburg, Germany . Its creation is attributed to the tradition of Protestant families who wished to visually track the days leading up to Christmas.

• One of the first known advent calendars was created in 1851. It is a calendar that did not yet have its iconic form with 24 windows, but had 24 small images with religious motifs . This calendar was created by a German family to help their children keep track of the days until Christmas and maintain their expectations.
• Later, in 1903, Gerhard Lang, a German printer and publisher, created the first commercial advent calendar . He was inspired by his childhood memories and the idea of Protestant traditions. This calendar had 24 windows that were originally full of biblical quotations. A few years later, small pictures began to be inserted, and later sweets.
• Today, advent calendars are available in several forms, from traditional to modern and creative variants . They are popular pre-Christmas products that add a dose of joy and anticipation to homes around the world.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbW7bvofJrs

Author: Ingrida Vravcová

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