Advent Begins: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Advent Begins (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Advent Begins is celebrated on November 1st.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Advent Begins, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as interesting facts you might want to know about Advent Begins.

📅 What day is Advent Begins 2024?

In 2024, Advent Begins is on Wednesday, November 1st. It is the 1st Wednesday in November; in 2024, it is Friday. There are until the next observance. You also can view all the fun details and facts about November 1, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Advent is a period that starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. This year, it will be celebrated from November 27 to December 24. It’s interesting to note that Advent dates all the way back to the fifth century. Christians, especially Catholics and Jews, observe Advent to honor the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas and to anticipate his Second Coming. In a non-religious sense, Advent signifies the start of the Christmas and holiday season. During this time, Christians light an Advent wreath, use an Advent calendar, read a daily devotional specific to Advent, and begin preparing for Christmas in general.

📜 Advent Begins History

The Advent calendar originally started in the fifth century as a simple calendar with doors that revealed images or Bible verses. In the nineteenth century, additional items like chocolate, cheese, alcohol, or make-up were added to the calendar. The tradition of counting down the days until Christmas began in the mid-nineteenth century when German Lutheran households used chalk to mark each day. Advent calendars made of cardboard were introduced by Gerhard Lang in the early 1900s, featuring cut-out doors with devotional images or Bible texts. During World War II, production of Advent calendars declined due to rationing of cardboard. Nazi Germany used Advent calendars to promote their ideology among young people. After the war, a few companies resumed production, including Richard Sellmer, whose calendars gained popularity in the United States when a photo of President Eisenhower’s grandkids with an Advent calendar was published in “Newsweek” in 1953. Cadbury introduced the first chocolate Advent calendar in 1958, and since then, many companies have made and sold Advent calendars with various items, attracting both adults and children.

✅ Advent Begins Facts

🔖 It has a unique tradition in France
In Normandy, farmers participate in a unique tradition during Advent where they employ children under the age of 12 to sprint across their fields and orchards while holding torches. Their task is to ignite straw bundles, creating small fires throughout the area.

🔖 It always has four Sundays
No matter when Advent starts, it consistently spans across four Sundays.

🔖 It has other names
Advent is referred to as St. Philip’s Fast, The Nativity Fast, Winter Lent, or Christmas Lent in Eastern Churches.

👍 Why Is Advent Begins Important

Some folks spend the Advent weeks cleaning and shopping for Christmas. They also start putting up Christmas decorations after retrieving them from the store or garage. Others begin making and completing their vacation arrangements and bookings.

While Advent is a season of joyful anticipation for Christmas, it is also a time of spiritual reflection for devout Christians. Advent is a time for Christians to focus on the world before Christ and the significance of His arrival. Advent is also a time when churches prepare their congregations’ hearts for what Christmas is really all about.

Some Christians utilize this time to renew their commitment to Christ. The fast, sermons, wreath lighting, church carol services, and other activities all serve as reminders of God’s compassion for humanity. It also serves as a reminder to always prepare for Christ’s Second Coming.

🙂 How To Observe Advent Begins

⚡ Start preparing for Christmas

⚡ Light the Advent wreath
One of the key traditions observed during Advent is the lighting of the Advent wreath, which is commonly done in homes and churches. Typically, the wreath is adorned with four to five candles, symbolizing different stages of salvation leading up to the arrival of Christ. To partake in this custom, you can visit a nearby store and buy an Advent wreath. Don’t forget to light one candle on every Sunday of Advent.

⚡ Keep the Advent calendar
Advent begins the four weeks leading up to Christmas. You may use that time to get a lot of things done before Christmas. This might entail cleaning the house, decorating it, buying a Christmas tree and gifts for your loved ones, and making arrangements for the Christmas and New Year vacations.

📅 When is Advent Begins?

Discover all 🔗 November holidays, including 🔗 Religious and other 🔗 Christian holidays.

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