13 Fascinating Advent Facts You Must Know About This Festival
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The celebrations of Advent mark the anticipatory period before the arrival of Christmas.
Advent starts around four weeks before Christmas Day. The celebration marks a preparation period for the birth of Jesus Christ.
The word 'advent' in English means the arrival of an event or person and, besides being an anticipatory term for Christmas lovers, Advent marks the beginning of the liturgical year (Christian year) observed mostly in Western churches.
However, the word 'advent' originated from the Latin word 'adventus', which means 'coming' or 'arrival' referring to the anticipation of the second coming of Christ, as well as commemorating his birth in Bethlehem.
Just as ancient Jews longed for the coming of the Messiah, modern Christians yearn for his Second Advent.
The History Of Advent
According to St. Gregory of Tours, the celebration of Advent began in the fifth century when Bishop Perpetus directed that Christians must fast three times per week, from St. Martin's Day on November 11 until December 24.
This practice remained limited to the diocese of Tours until the Council of Macon, in 581, when it gradually spread throughout France and, later, the Christian world.
The Nativity Fast, or the Fast of December, is associated as a time of penitence, as Advent is both a time of sorrow and joy.
Advent was also known as 'Lent of St. Martin' as the practice started in the fifth century. According to St. Gregory of Tours, Bishop Perpetuus directed the initial fasting period to start from St. Martin's Day on November 11, till Christmas Eve.
The fasting tradition experienced decline from the 13th century.
Symbols Of Advent
Advent is a long preparatory month with different traditions and rituals symbolizing various significant beliefs, practices, and often the phases of Jesus's life.
An Advent crown is a significant addition to the decorations besides floral wreaths. It symbolizes the passage of four Sundays of Advent and is a necessary addition in churches.
The Advent candle symbolizes the four weeks and four Sundays of Advent. Each day, the candle is burnt a little to mark the passing of days before Christmas.
The color purple is very auspicious in Advent as it signifies the penitential spirit and is used in various forms in the celebration of Advent, such as using a purple candle.
How To Celebrate Advent
Advent is a month-long preparatory celebration for Christmas, which is celebrated through various events and practices.
Fasting is an early form of celebrating Advent, and many people still follow the practice, supplementary to prayers.
Reading Bible scriptures is another prominent way of celebrating the festival.
Making Advent ornaments, wreaths, and wrapping gifts are a few other activities people indulge in during the season.
The Significance Of Advent Candles
Lighting Advent candles is a way to symbolize hope, love, joy, and peace. All of these are signified using five candles and burnt respectively to prepare for the day.
The first candle, preferably a purple candle, is burnt on the first Sunday, representing hope.
The second purple candle is lit on the second Sunday, representing love and faith in the Lord.
The third one, a rose-colored candle, is lighted on the third Sunday to represent joy. This third Sunday is also known as Gaudete Sunday ('gaudate' means rejoice), with pink representing the joyful mood of this celebration.
The fourth candle, a purple one, must be lit on the fourth Sunday, representing peace and remembering the creator.
The fifth and last candle is lit on Christmas Eve, to celebrate Jesus's birth.
Advent FAQs
What is an Advent promise?
An Advent promise is a promise made during this season. It could be a promise made to a child or a simple oath to spread kindness.
What are the four candles of Advent?
The four candles of Advent represent the four weeks of preparation before Christmas Day.
What goes on a Jesse Tree?
Ornaments are added to the Jesse tree to symbolize the various phases of Jesus Christ's life journey. As the days proceed towards Christmas in Advent, more ornaments are added to the tree.
What day is Jesus's birthday?
December 25 is celebrated as Jesus's birthday, also known as Christmas Day.
When does Advent start?
Advent starts on a Sunday, four weeks before Christmas. It was originally started in the fifth century, by Bishop Perpetus.
How do we observe Advent?
Advent follows a series of events that proceed until Christmas Eve, with celebrations such as gingerbread baking, preparing the Jesse tree or Christmas tree, visiting church, making Advent wreaths, hanging decorations, and buying gifts.
Why is Advent special?
Advent reminds Christians of the true, sacred meaning of Christmas, as the birth of Christ.
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Bachelor of Science specializing in Mass Communication.
Adekunle Olanrewaju JasonBachelor of Science specializing in Mass Communication.
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