Around the world, millions of Christians welcome Advent with wreaths, candles, and calendars. This ritual ushers in the start of the spiritual year for many churches, observed in the four Sundays leading up to Christmas Day. Advent, from the Latin adventus, signals an arrival, specifically celebrating Jesus' birth over 2,000 years ago and anticipating his second coming. As you can imagine, this season is awash with spiritual undertones and a variety of captivating traditions across various cultures.
Take Austria, for instance, where arguably the most famous Christmas hymn, 'Silent Night' (or 'Stille Nacht' in the local lingo), originated. You can soak up the serenity of this beloved hymn at the Salzburg Cathedral, an iconic symbol of Salzburg with an archaic history that dates back to 1641.
Even in China, where only 5.1% of its 1.41 billion population are Christians, Advent practices are budding. Paper lanterns, iconic red paper pagodas, and apples wrapped in colorful paper are common sights during the season. The St. Ignatius Cathedral, a marvel of Western architecture in Shanghai, is a go-to for locals and tourists alike.
In Croatia, preparations start before Advent commences, on November 25 (St. Catherine's Day). Houses of worship light up the first of four Advent candles to symbolize the countdown to Christmas. Meanwhile, their colorful outdoor markets sell handcrafted souvenirs, and aromas of roasted chestnuts intermingle with the sweet scent of mulled wine.
Germany, Hungary, and Mexico all integrate personal variations of celebrations into their Advent season. Whether it’s the ceremonial lighting of Advent candles in Germany, Angelic Masses in Hungary, or the processional tradition of Las Posadas in Mexico, these traditions reflect the unique interpretations of Advent worldwide.
Poland, with its deeply rooted Catholic heritage, observes Advent through prayer, fasting, early morning masses called 'roraty', and vibrant outdoor booths distributing little tokens of goodwill. Houses of worship, such as St. Mary’s Basilica in Krakow, are decorated with lights, boughs, and garlands, creating a festive atmosphere.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has embraced a fairly recent tradition called Christingles - a symbolic item comprised of an ornate orange, red tape, candle, and sweets. This observance was first celebrated by Moravians in Germany, but was only introduced in the UK in the late 1960s. The service, often held on Christmas Eve, combines prayers, readings, singing, and fundraising for children's charities.
Even among the Eastern Orthodox churches, a Nativity Fast marks the season's beginning, representing the lead-up to Christmas. As these traditions illustrate, Advent truly paints a picture of global Christian unity, despite the diversity of practices and customs.
