Christmas Traditions and Customs: The Meaning of Advent

Last Sunday, Advent officially began. And while the calendar marked the first Sunday of Advent, most of us had already experienced the traditional lighting of the Christmas tree in our towns or cities. In some places, the lights went on a day early, or even during the week. For instance, at Old Town Square in Prague, the tree was lit on Saturday, even before Advent technically started. As the modern "Christmas season" keeps shifting earlier, we get the feeling that Advent arrives sooner. Christmas seems to start in late November with lights, concerts, punch, and the first photos of trees. But when does Advent truly begin? What does it exactly mean? And what is its historical significance? In previous chapters, we explored when tradition says Christmas begins for us—with Saint Martin on his white horse (or at least in the rain and mud). We talked about old Advent figures, took a closer look at the Advent wreath and the history of Christmas, including how many customs are much older than Christianity, having been adopted and adapted over time. And now it’s time to look at Advent itself. At that small, quiet, often overlooked four-week period before Christmas, which has a much deeper meaning than just lighting candles one by one. So come with me; let's see where Advent came from, what it symbolizes, and why it is actually so beautiful.

Advent: A Time of Expectation, Stillness, and Light

When Advent begins, the world around us slows down in a peculiar way. Yet paradoxically, the calendar sometimes seems to speed up; cities and villages light their Christmas trees as early as the weekend before the first Sunday of Advent—some even earlier. This year, even Prague's Old Town Square was glowing by Saturday. This modern take on the "start of Christmas" pushes the atmosphere forward, and we often lose track of when Advent truly starts. And most importantly, what does Advent really mean? We've already covered symbolical beginnings like Saint Martin, met old Advent figures whose stories endure today, and delved into the history of Christmas and the Advent wreath. Now it's time to take a step back to the very foundation—to why it all exists in the first place.

What is Advent?

Advent is the first part of the liturgical year in the Christian tradition. It lasts for four Sundays before Christmas and is associated with spiritual preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ. The word "Advent" comes from the Latin "adventus," meaning "arrival" or "coming." And that meaning holds true today: the arrival of light, hope, and something that transcends ordinary time. While we now associate Advent mainly with decorations, wreaths, cleaning, and gift shopping, its origin was much quieter and more focused. It was a time of stillness, reflection, and anticipation—a small spiritual breath before the great holidays.

When does Advent begin?

Advent does not have a fixed date. It can begin anytime between November 27th and December 3rd, depending on when the first Sunday falls. This opens the entire Christmas season, which officially ends on Epiphany on January 6th. And that is the beauty of it: Christmas isn't just a three-day stop. It’s a long journey that begins right here.

A Bit of History: Because the Past Gives Meaning to the Present

The first mentions of Advent date back to the 4th century. Back then, however, it wasn't always four Sundays; depending on the region, there could be two, three, five, or even six. Pope Gregory the Great gave it its unified form in the 7th century, along with the meaning of each Sunday:

• First Sunday: Stillness, focus, the beginning of waiting.

• Second Sunday: Penance, turning one's attention inward.

• Third Sunday: Joy (hence the pink candle on the Advent wreath).

• Fourth Sunday: Events immediately preceding the birth of Jesus.

It’s essentially a story in four chapters. Each Sunday is different, but they all point in the same direction: toward the birth of light.

Advent Traditions That Belong

We already walked through some customs in the chapter on old Advent figures: Barborky, Ambrož, Lucka, Perchta, and of course Saint Nicholas. Advent was once a period when all of this was truly lived. People felt fear and excitement, observed customs, and believed they had the power to influence their lives.

But there are also gentler traditions that have survived to this day:

A Kiss Under the Mistletoe

Mistletoe symbolized luck, protection, and according to Celtic tradition, fertility. Here, the kiss under the mistletoe became popular—a small annual confirmation of love until the next Christmas.

The Advent Calendar

Today, it's mostly a joy for children (though... let's face it, adults love it too). It has 24 windows that open starting December 1st—a tradition much younger than Advent itself.

The Nativity Scene (Betlém)

Whether wooden, ceramic, or paper, it's one of the most beautiful symbols of Advent. It used to be a winter activity for the whole family. Making a nativity scene was like a shared Advent therapy: candles, peace, and hands busy with creation.

And Of Course, the "Advent Wreath"

We dedicated a whole separate chapter to this, but here is a small reminder of its story:

The original Advent wreath had 24 candles and was created as a tool for children who asked every day when Christmas would come. Their teacher, Johann Heinrich Wichern, solved it his way: he lit one candle every day. When all were burning, it was Christmas.

Today's wreath has four candles, color-coded, and each symbolizes a different part of the Advent story. Whether bought or handmade, it still carries the same idea: light increases as Christmas draws near.

Advent as the Beginning of Christmas

Advent isn't just waiting. It’s part of the whole Christmas story, which has depth and history. And when we allow that depth, it can do what few things can: calm us down. Remind us that Christmas isn't about the rush, but about the light, silence, and hope that is born slowly, just like every December.

In Conclusion?

So, I believe Advent time isn't just about four Sundays and lighting candles, but about all those old figures and beings that once walked the dark alleys of winter—some of whom have survived to this day. Nicholas, the Devil, and the Angel are the best proof. And today, precisely on December 4th, when the "Barborky" traditionally walked, many of us cut a cherry or plum twig and wait to see if it blooms by Christmas Eve. It is a small miracle in the middle of winter, reminding us that light and hope always return. Most families are preparing for the arrival of Saint Nicholas so children can experience the first moments of Christmas—a bit of fear, but mostly joy and gifting. Thus, Advent becomes a period not only of angels, wreaths, or ancient beings but mainly a time when we have the opportunity to stop and be closer to people who otherwise disappear in the merry-go-round of duties. We forgive each other, we clean not only our homes but also our minds and hearts, so that nothing negative echoes in our lives at Christmas. We love going to tree lightings and nativity scenes. And even if snow is no longer as certain as it was in our childhood, a piece of a child's soul still lives in each of us. We just need to let it in—and maybe we’ll actually summon that snow. Have you ever wondered how strange it is that many people today are not religious, yet almost the whole world celebrates Christmas? It’s magical. It’s as if a desire for closeness, kindness, and simple human goodness wakes up in us at this time. It’s not about Christian values as such; it’s about the fundamental, human ones. Being a good person. And that’s what matters most.

I wish you a beautiful Advent season and a peaceful wait for Christmas Eve. And don’t worry, we certainly aren’t ending with this chapter. Christmas is perhaps the richest season of all; one could write about it like a novel... and gladly every year anew.

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Illustration created using Gemini AI.