Hi, Palme School is here! Today let's talk about the first winter holiday - Advent, which this year coincided with the beginning of calendar winter.
- The reading time is 3 minutes.
- History of the holiday
- Christmas wreath
- Advent calendar
Where did the idea of celebrating Advent come from
Advent - the period before Christmas, which is celebrated in Christian countries around the world. It usually lasts about four weeks before Christmas.
It is not known exactly where the tradition of celebrating Advent came from, as it is over 1500 years old. It all started with instructions for monks to fast three times a week, starting in mid-November and continuing through Christmas. Although over time the fast was shortened to four weeks, it took on an important meaning for ordinary people. After all, it became a time of preparation for the most important feast.
By custom, Advent always begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. As a rule, church services are held all over the world on this day. Christians decorate their homes with Christmas wreaths and light candles.
The history of the Christmas wreath and its significance
The Christmas wreath with four candles has been known since the 19th century. It was then that it began to be used in church services in Germany. By the way, the round wreath of spruce branches has become the main element of Advent and of Christmas. After all, it symbolizes eternal life after physical death (an important element of the Christian religion).
Also, the first Sunday of Advent is associated with the prophecy of the coming of the Savior Child to earth. And the first candle in the Christmas wreath is lit - a symbol of hope. According to church rules, it must be purple in color. And in total 4 candles are lit in the Christmas wreath - three violet and one pink. Each candle has its own meaning.
Traditionally, on the first day of Advent, Christmas fairs begin in the cities. People put up the Christmas tree in their homes, start preparing gifts for their loved ones, send Christmas cards, and plan the Christmas menu. Thus, it becomes a time of pleasantries and anticipation of magic.
Turn an Advent calendar from a sweet gift into a useful game
Nowadays, many people associate this period with the Advent calendar, which was invented at the beginning of the 20th century. We can say that this souvenir has been pleasing millions of children in different parts of the world for more than a hundred years. As a rule, the Advent calendar is a cardboard box with 24 cells. In them is hidden some surprise - a sweet treat or a small souvenir.
In the past, Advent calendars not only helped to count the days until Christmas, but also had an educational function. For example, children were offered daily tasks with a religious theme. For example, learn a church verse or prayer, or do a good deed.
Although modern store calendars have lost this function, caring parents often come up with their own ideas. After all, this is how you can create a personalized holiday feeling for your child, as well as a useful way to pass the time.
For example, in handmade calendars you can put your own tasks addressed to a particular child. And, of course, don't forget about a small reward for the completed work. Thus, the Advent calendar will not just be a pleasant game, but will also increase the child's interest in certain activities, and will help to realize what he has learned during this period.
We wish everyone a pleasant holiday preparation!
