What is the origin of the Advent Calendar?

The origin of the Advent calendar traces back to an ancient Christian tradition, closely linked to the anticipation of the celebration of the Nativity.

Advent, from the Latin "adventus," means "arrival" or "coming," and marks the four weeks preceding Christmas, a period of spiritual preparation in the liturgical calendar.

Early traces of Advent counting

The Advent calendar as we know it today, with its little windows to open daily, is merely a recent version of a more ancient ritual.

As early as the 19th century in Germany, Protestant families had the custom of marking the days leading up to Christmas in a symbolic way.

Here are some original Advent counting practices:

1. Chalk on the door: Each day in December, children would mark a chalk line on the door or wall, counting the days until Christmas.
2. Advent candles: Families would also light an Advent wreath with four candles, one for each Sunday before Christmas, to symbolise the anticipation of Christ's light.
3. Holy images: In the 19th century, it was common to give small holy images to children each day of Advent, illustrating biblical scenes or those related to the Nativity.

The emergence of the modern Advent calendar

The first true printed Advent calendar is believed to have debuted in 1902 in Germany, but it was in 1908 that Gerhard Lang, a German publisher, marketed a windowed Advent calendar , inspired by his own childhood when his mother made him a handmade calendar with pictures to stick on. This commercial calendar contained small religious or festive images hidden behind windows to open each day.

The evolution of the Advent calendar

In the 1920s, the Advent calendar evolved to include small chocolates or surprises behind each window, making the wait more playful. From the 1950s, the concept spread across Europe and North America, becoming a tradition for children and adults eager to reach Christmas.

Parallels with other day counting rites

This ritual of counting days until an event is not limited to the Advent season. Many cultures have established similar practices:

1. Lunar and solar calendars: In ancient civilisations, like those of the Mayas or Egyptians, counting days until religious or agricultural events (such as harvests) was important. They often followed lunar or solar cycles to mark the anticipation of festivals or astronomical events.
2. Passover rites: In Jewish tradition, the anticipation of Passover is accompanied by a preparation ritual over several days, especially with regards to the purification of the house and preparing traditional meals.
3. Countdowns: More recently, marking days before a major event has become a universal tradition, whether for weddings, birthdays, or end-of-year celebrations.

A symbol of patience and joy

Over the centuries, the Advent calendar has become much more than just a day count. It embodies the joyful anticipation and spiritual or festive preparation before a major celebration. Each day is a small step towards the fulfilment of a moment eagerly awaited, a practice found in many cultures across time and continents.