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Steeped in tradition and rooted in centuries of celebration, Advent, which is the four weeks leading up to Christmas, stems from an anticipation for the season ahead. Although the way that the period is celebrated has changed over the centuries – from Medieval fasting to booze calendars and Christian origins to secular commemorations – the sense of eagerness Advent brings has not been lost.
Advent begins on the Sunday closest to November 30 and extends until Christmas. For Christians, Advent is a time of reflection from the past coming of Jesus to His future return. It’s similar to Lent, preceding Easter, in that it is a time of preparation. And whatever way you celebrate, it’s certain that the season is one of anticipation for the arrival of something better.
Ancient Roots of Advent
The word Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, which means arrival or coming. In the 4th century, Advent began to be celebrated in an attempt to quell a heresy that had been spreading throughout the church. In the Middle Ages, the season of Advent was a time of fasting in which decadent foods and gluttony were avoided.
Following Advent, Christmas began, and one was expected to eat, drink and be merry for the next 12 days. Until the Twelfth Night, the community had its share of mischief. For example, during the Feast of Fools, temporary role reversals were given to clergy, who would dance through the church, masquerade in the choir, and enjoy a chance to goof off. In another tradition, carolers went door to door dressed up as animals, a ritual known as “mumming.”
It is possible that the sense of anticipation which Advent brought was 2-fold: The Christian aspect of the arrival of the Messiah, and the more sacrilegious aspect of the indulgence and merrymaking that Christmas began. While it seems unlikely that many of our readers have participated in a Feast of Fools or a masqueraded caroling party, almost every family has its way of celebrating this special time.
Commemorations of Advent
For many religious groups, the season of Advent is filled with rich symbolism. In Catholicism, five candles are lit for the weeks that precede Advent. Today, modern Catholic believers may fast or simply lay off carb-heavy food like biscuits and cake. In the Orthodox church, a fast occurs during Advent by abstaining from eggs, meat and dairy, leading up to a feast on Christmas Eve.
A quick search on Amazon.com shows that the most common products to celebrate Advent are calendars of any shape, size or function. Advent calendars were used starting in the 1800s, but the first printed one originated in 1903 in Germany, the country we also have to thank for gingerbread houses, Christmas markets and decorating evergreens. After the Third Reich plastered swastikas onto Advent calendars, the calendars moved to America as the world longed for normalcy. While many are sweet and simple, a plethora of options have spiked in popularity.
From LEGO, squishmallows and Star Wars for the little ones to booze and cosmetic calendars for adults, they seem to offer pretty much everything. Prizes behind the small flaps include Keurig cups, fishing lures, hot sauce, dog treats and everything in between. After all, who doesn’t want their pet to have a different flavor of catnip for 25 days straight? (Just be cautious and don’t give the calendar to your kid, no matter how cute the design. It has actually happened.)
Jesse trees, often coupled with a devotional, feature significant Christian symbols like a manger, star, angel, stable, etc. Every night leading up to Christmas, a felt or velcro symbol is added to a miniature tree. Especially poignant for the little ones, the symbols become familiar year after year.
Around the World
Many countries have unique ways of celebration. In Mexico, Advent takes on a 9-day ceremony known as “Las Posadas” or “The Inns.” As the name implies, Las Posadas commemorates the journey of Mary and Joseph as they search for shelter in Bethlehem. A child dressed as an angel leads a procession of children through the town, stopping at several houses that turn them away until one welcomes them. On the ninth evening, Christmas Eve, a midnight mass is held and bells and fireworks ensue.
In Venezuela, masses are held every morning from December 16 to 24. Church-goers roller skate to mass in the capital city of Caracas while children dangle strings from windows, hoping a passing skater will pull on one.
Throughout Asia and Europe, distinct traditions bring unity. In China, people decorate their homes with vibrant paper lanterns in celebration of “Sheng Dan Jieh,” or the “Holy Birth Festival.” In Poland, families set up “Joselki,” which are cheerfully decorated booths that sell Christmas-themed gifts and souvenirs to passers-by.
Whatever your Advent celebrations revolve around, it’s easy to see that the season is an arrival of something better. So this year, pull out your Advent calendars, Jesse trees, or masquerades and join the rest of the world as we rejoice in a season of anticipation.
Text by Caitlyn Koser
Caitlyn Koser is a Christian writer whose family celebrates Advent with a Jesse tree.
