Information On Advent
The word Advent is derived from the Latin word
Adventus, which signifies the arrival of Christ.
Advent occurs during the four weeks BEFORE Christmas.
It is during this time that music heralding the birth
of Christ is played. The work of composers such as Beethoven, Bach and Händel
are featured.
The
Advent wreath (Adventskranz) is believed to have been introduced by Martin
Luther. It is made out of branches ofthe fir tree (Tannenzweige). The wreath is
decorated with red ribbons and has four red candles. It can be hung from the
ceiling or be placed on the table.
The first Sunday after the 26th November(four
Sundays before Christmas) is the first Advent (der erste Advent). On this
Sunday, ONE candle is lit.
The
next Sunday (three Sundays before Christmas) is the second Advent (der zweite
Advent). On this Sunday, TWO candles are lit. 
The
next Sunday (two Sundays before Christmas)is the third Advent (der dritte
Advent). On this Sunday, THREE candles are lit. 
The
next Sunday (one Sunday before Christmas)is the fourth Advent (der vierte
Advent). On this Sunday, FOUR candles are lit. 
This
custom symbolizes the coming of Christ with all his light and radiance. Some
families have also adopted the tradition of hanging a gold or silver star on the
wreath, which has a verse from the Old Testament written on it. The children of
this household are expected to learn this verse off by heart. 
This is an advent calendar in the form of a tree which
appeared in my first book "Things to do at
Christmas".The Advent calendar has been
popular in Germany for over fifty years and is now very popular in Australia and
obtainable at most department stores. 
A German advent calandar at least forty years old that
was given to the author as a child.
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