British Life and Culture by Mandy Barrow
Advent is a very special time in the Christian calendar, marking the four weeks leading up to Christmas Day. The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word “adventus”, which means “coming”. During Advent, Christians prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, and also remember the belief in his second coming.
In Britain, Advent is a time of waiting, anticipation, and preparation for the festive season. It officially begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day. So, the exact start date changes each year, but it always includes four Sundays.
One of the most popular customs during Advent, especially for children in Britain, is the Advent Calendar. It’s a fun and exciting way to count down the days until Christmas!
An Advent Calendar usually has 24 small doors or windows, one for each day from December 1st until Christmas Eve. Each day, a child opens one door to reveal a picture, a piece of chocolate, or a small toy. This tradition helps build excitement and makes the waiting for Christmas feel a little shorter as the big day gets closer.
The idea for Advent Calendars started in Germany in the 19th century, but they quickly became popular in Britain and are now a cherished part of many families’ Christmas preparations, enjoyed by children all over the country.
Another important Advent tradition, often found in churches and some homes in Britain, is the Advent Wreath. This beautiful wreath is usually made from evergreen branches, shaped into a circle, which symbolises God’s endless love and eternal life.
The Advent Wreath holds four candles, and sometimes a fifth white candle is placed in the centre. One candle is lit on each of the four Sundays of Advent. Each candle has a special meaning, helping people to reflect on the themes of Advent as Christmas approaches:
| Candle Lit On | Traditional Colour | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| First Sunday of Advent | Purple | Hope (often called ‘The Prophet’s Candle’) |
| Second Sunday of Advent | Purple | Peace (often called ‘The Bethlehem Candle’) |
| Third Sunday of Advent | Pink or Rose | Joy (often called ‘The Shepherd’s Candle’) |
| Fourth Sunday of Advent | Purple | Love (often called ‘The Angel’s Candle’) |
| Christmas Day (optional central candle) | White | Christ (often called ‘The Christ Candle’) |
The purple candles traditionally represent royalty and repentance, while the pink candle on the third Sunday reminds us that Christmas joy is getting closer. Lighting the candles each week helps people to focus on the true meaning of Christmas as it approaches.
During Advent, many churches and schools across Britain hold
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Special Days in December
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Learn about Christmas in England from the children who live in Britain Christmas traditions why do what we do at chrsitmas time
Information about my calendars
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is the creator of the Woodlands Resources section of the Woodlands Junior website. left Woodlands in 2003 to work in Kent schools as an ICT Consulatant. Woodlands Junior Homework Help new website |
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