Advent

The Lord of Misrule's Christmas Guide
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Advent

Advent is the period of celebration marking the birth of Jesus Christ. It starts each year on the Sunday closest to 30th November and lasts until Christmas Eve. Many children have Advent Calendars and these usually run from 1st to 25th December. Traditionally, Advent Calendars are like posters with little doors cut into them. Each day, you open a numbered door and behind it you find a new picture. Originally, Advent Calendars depicted religious icons, but over the years the pictures have become more commercial and many companies now produce tacky Advent Calendars which offer a small gift (a chocolate, for example) behind each door.

The word Advent comes from Latin ‘adventus’ meaning ‘coming’ and was originally a period of penitence when followers were expected to fast. This tradition has long since died out.

Advent wreaths - their circular shape reminding us of the perfection and eternity of God - are popular, especially in churches, and usually are made from evergreen firs (Pagan influence again) and contain four candles. One candle is supposed to be lit each Sunday during Advent. The four candles represent hope, peace, joy and love.