Advent is a religious holiday that commemorates the weeks leading up to the birth of Christ on December 25th, a religious holiday known as Christmas Day. Advent marks the beginning of a new church year. Although the origins of this holiday are unknown, advent is widely celebrated in the United States as well as other parts of the world.
Advent is a season that marks the beginning of the liturgical year. This celebration dates back to the 4th century, around the time the church began commemorating Christmas. In regions such as Spain and Gaul, there was a desire to perform some form of preparation before religious feasts (for example Easter). Christians would hold fasts and prayers as they looked forward to the holiday. The earliest historical account of Advent stems from the Council of Saragossa (380 AD). The Council required its members to go through an intense period of preparation as they awaited the feast of Epiphany (currently celebrated on January 6th). Similarly, the St. Martin Church in France would hold three weeks to forty days of preparation to commemorate Epiphany. These preparations were an observance of piety in celebration of the holy days.
Rome adopted Advent much later, in the mid-6th century AD. The church at the time had not yet adopted Christmas or Epiphany. The holiday was liturgically determined, for instance, the church would calculate six Sundays before Christmas. Between 591-604 AD, Pope St. Gregory the Great reduced the Sundays to four in a bid to mark the difference between Advent and Lent. As Christmas became more recognized, the Advent season took on a more significant role in the Church. Christmas was selected in part due to the cold winter season that is experienced during the time. Theological beliefs of Jesus as the light of the world and the salvation of mankind, which resulted in a deeper value for the season.
Still, it was not until the 6th century that the holiday became a commemoration of Christ’s second coming. The holiday became a symbol of hope and expectation for the second coming of Christ. Just as Jesus was born as the light of the world, there is hope that He will come to earth as ruler and judge.
Eastern churches also adopted Advent but with different practices. Rather than preparing for the coming of Christ as was the case in the Roman Liturgy, the Eastern churches took Advent as the time for reaffirming their faith in the mystery and incarnation of Christ. Accordingly, on the Sunday before Christmas, the Byzantine church would celebrate all those who herald Jesus, for instance, the patriarchs of Israel (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob), the prophets, and the mother of Christ. From December 20th, the believers would face towards Bethlehem where the birth of Christ took place.
In Syrian liturgies, Advent would be marked with a series of annunciations that would be evoked over many weeks. These annunciations included: Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, the birth of John the Baptist, and the annunciation to Joseph. On the last Sunday before Christmas, the liturgy would remember those who bore witness to Christ, the prophets. Advent developed into a holiday to commemorate the day of mystery (December 25th) which marks the coming of Jesus.
According to the Roman calendar, the Season of Advent is twofold. It is a season to remember the birth of Christ as well as a season to acknowledge and focus on the second coming of Christ. The term ‘Advent,’ is derived from the Latin word ‘Adventus,’ which translates to ‘coming.’ It is also a translation of the Greek word ‘parousia.’ According to scholars, in the 4th and 5th century, Christians in Spain and Gaul would celebrate Advent as a time of preparation for baptism for new Christians, the feast of Epiphany, and the birth account of Jesus as highlighted in Matthew 2:1.
Additionally, Christ’s baptism and His first miracle in Cana are celebrated. During the season of Advent, Christians would spend 40 days fasting, praying, and seeking penance. Back then, Advent was not associated with Christmas. However, in the 6th century, the Roman Christians connected Advent with the coming of Christ. In this case, their focus was not only concentrated on the birth and life of Jesus, but also on His second coming and resurrection.
Christians today celebrate Advent in preparation for Christmas. During this time, churches strive to balance between the two meanings of the holiday. The first two Sundays, for instance, could commemorate the second coming of Christ, whereas the last two Sundays would commemorate his first coming (from 17th to 24th of December). Throughout the four weeks of the holiday, scripture readings would be derived from the Old Testament prophecies of the coming of Christ, and the gospel accounts of Christ. Despite decorations, shopping, and Carols at this time, the period of Advent is meant to be a season of fasting and prayer, similar to Lent.
Many of the ideas, themes, and traditions surrounding the holiday were developed in Rome. In the mid-6th to the early 7th century, Pope Gregory I composed many poems and prayers in commemoration of the holiday.
The lighting of candles
A popular tradition practised during this holiday involves lighting candles that have been placed in a wreath. From approximately the 13th century, the liturgical colours used during Advent celebrations included violet, black, or blue. However, the colours used in Churches may differ depending on preference.
For instance, in the Church of Sweden, blue is given preference over violet. As such, the colors of the candles can vary, although the traditional colors are dark purple and pink. These colors represent the majesty of Christ. However, to others, the colors represent the time of darkness without God and the need for repentance. The lighter candles (bright pink) are a sign of the joy we have because Christ came and made a way for people to come to Him. Alternatively, some Christians opt to use red candles to represent sin and one green candle to symbolize the new life we have in Christ. White candles symbolize the holy seasons of Advent and Christmas. A large white candle also symbolizes the pure and holy gift that God gave us, Jesus Christ.
Hay and straw
Aside from candles, Christians also use decorations such as a flame retardant straw to symbolize and act as a reminder that when Jesus was born, he was laid in a manger—a simple place contrary to his royalty. He left the glory of heaven for us.
White dove
A white dove on the wreath symbolizes the Holy Spirit. This decoration is a reminder that one must be born of the Spirit in order to possess eternal life. A rose attached to the wreath is another popular decoration which symbolizes Jesus as the Rose of Sharon. The decorations symbolize the true meaning of the holiday: faith, hope, and love.
Wreath
The wreath is meant to be a reminder of the depth of God’s love that is experienced through His son Jesus. The evergreen decoration signifies eternal life. Other traditions include fasting for three days a week after St Martin’s Day which takes place on November 11th, performing local rites and playing special music.
In western churches, Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas or the Sunday after November 30th and ends on December 24th. However, the start date of this holiday is subject to change as it can start on the Sunday after November 30th, November 27th, or December 3rd. The holiday is a time for spiritual preparation in which Christians prepare for Christ’s second coming. During this time, Christians engage in prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Generally, people are hopeful and joyful for the coming of Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit during this holiday. Christians engage in Advent devotions, which refers to scripture readings in commemoration of the holiday. Not only is Advent a time for personal meditation but also a time for gathering with friends and family. However, some people celebrate this holiday as they choose to see it as a time for hope and joy.
Advent is celebrated by Christian churches that observe the ecclesiastical calendar of the Liturgical seasons. These churches include:
Orthodox
The Orthodox churches celebrate Lent for 40 days from November 15th. Orthodox churches that celebrate Christmas on January 7th observe Advent on November 28th. These Churches includes those in Russia, Jerusalem, Ukraine, Ethiopia, and Serbia. Apostolic churches in Armenia celebrate Christmas on January 6th.
Generally, Advent starts forty days before Christmas. Orthodox Christians refer to this holiday as the Nativity Fast. Nativity commemorates the birth of Jesus and the story surrounding his birth. The word stems from the Latin word ‘nativus’ which means ‘born.’
Catholic
In the Catholic Church, the holiday can fall on any date between 27th November and 3rd December. Catholics celebrate the four weeks of Advent starting with the first Sunday to the last Sunday before Christmas.
Anglican/Episcopalian
Similar to the Catholic Church, the Anglican church celebrates Advent for four weeks based on the liturgical calendar. The holiday is observed from the fourth Sunday before Christmas.
Lutheran
The holiday traditionally starts on the Sunday after St. Andrews and proceeds afterward for the following four Sundays before Christmas.
Methodist
Methodists celebrate Advent for four consecutive Sundays before Christmas. The celebrations end on the eve of Christmas .
Presbyterian
The Presbyterian Church celebrates Advent for four weeks, similar to the Catholic Church.
However, traditions and observation of this holiday have changed over time and vary depending on location and the culture of the people within the region. For instance:
China
In China, the government only recognizes five national religions which include Buddhism, Taoism, Protestantism, Catholicism, and Islam. About 5% of the population are Christians. During Advent, Christians in China tend to light their houses with colorful paper lanterns. They also hang red paper pagodas on windows.
Mexico
In Mexico, Advent is known as Las Posadas, or ‘The Inns.’ Children dress up as angels to lead processions. They also engage in performances such as acting out the journey Joseph and Mary made to Bethlehem. Mexicans have developed an interesting culture behind the holiday. The country celebrates Christmas from December 12th to January 6th. Before Christmas, there is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe that is celebrated on December 12th. The celebrations for this holiday start on December 4th. Additionally, neighbors take turns hosting communal rosary at their houses. After that, people share an evening with coffee or tea and pastries (cookies or sweet bread). During the nine-day holiday, there are street masses and the sharing of unique Mexican dishes such as tamales. The festivities held in Mexico overlap with Advent and as such, Advent has changed to a time of festivities.
Scandinavia & Italy
In Scandinavia (Denmark, Sweden, and Norway) and Italy, the feast of St. Lucy falls during the period of Advent. The feast is on December 13th and honors the “Saint of Light”. St. Lucy was a lady from a noble background who died tragically in Sicily during the 4th century. Due to the period of darkness that surrounds the winter solstice, many of the believers in Scandinavian countries have combined the celebration and traditions of Advent and the feast of St. Lucy. Traditionally, the oldest girl in the household would wake up on feast day and dress up as St. Lucy. She would then proceed to offer cookies or cinnamon rolls to her family members. The family members may then sing hymns together.
Eastern Europe
In Eastern Europe, the focus is on St. Nicholas, who represents Santa Claus in various regions including the United States. This holiday occurs on December 19th. St. Nicholas is believed to have existed during the 4th century in Turkey and is remembered for having performed miracles in his lifetime. Countries in Eastern Europe that observe this tradition include Russia, Lithuania, Estonia, Ukraine, Latvia and so on.
South America
In most of the South American countries, families recite Advent prayers during the nine days before Christmas. In some South American countries such as Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Guyana, Peru, Argentina, and others, observe La Novena del Nino which is a time for feasting and singing carols. These prayers begin from December 16th and end on Christmas Eve (December 24th).
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