What is Advent and how do people observe it worldwide?

Wreaths, candles, and calendars are unmistakable symbols of Advent for Christian communities across the globe. But what exactly is Advent?

The term Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning 'arrival' or 'visit.' For many Christian denominations, Advent marks the start of the liturgical year, and is observed during the four Sundays leading up to Christmas.

Spiritually, Advent celebrates the earthly birth of Jesus over 2,000 years ago, while also symbolizing a time of preparation and anticipation for His second coming.

In 2023, Advent begins on Sunday, December 3. Each Sunday is associated with a unique spiritual theme and typically includes the tradition of lighting an Advent candle.

As with many religious practices, Advent traditions can differ significantly from one region to another.

Here are some of the Advent and Christmas traditions celebrated in different countries around the world, along with suggestions for churches you can visit if you're nearby.

Austria

Austria is the origin of the beloved Christmas carol 'Silent Night.' Known as 'Stille Nacht' in German, this hymn was written during the Christmas season of 1818, as reported by the German-way website.

While the English version of 'Silent Night' differs slightly from the original, anyone who visits Austria and hears a live performance will instantly recognize its calming and familiar melody.

The charming city of Salzburg, famously known for 'The Sound of Music,' hosts numerous musical performances of the beloved Christmas hymn.

House of worship: Salzburg Cathedral stands as a striking symbol of this Austrian city. It was constructed on the site of two previous churches, with the foundation of the current Baroque structure, featuring two impressive towers, being laid in 1641. (Kapitelplatz 2, PO Box 62, 5010 Salzburg, Austria; +43 662 65901 515 )

China

While China may not be the first place that comes to mind for Advent, about 5.1% of its 1.41 billion population is Christian, according to the CIA World Factbook—roughly 72 million people.

During Advent, Chinese Christians decorate their homes with brightly colored paper lanterns and often display red paper pagodas in windows. Many of these traditions were introduced by Western missionaries.

A growing Christmas tradition in China is giving apples, often sold in stores wrapped in vibrant colored paper.

House of worship: St. Ignatius Cathedral in Shanghai is a beautiful example of Western-style architecture, constructed in 1906. Though it was damaged during the Cultural Revolution, it has since been restored. Locally, it's known as Xujiahui Catholic Church (No.156 Puxi Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200000, China)

Croatia

Approximately 86% of the population in this Balkan country are Roman Catholic, making Advent a significant part of their religious life. For some Croatians, the Christmas preparations actually begin even before Advent, on November 25, which is celebrated as Sveta Kata (St. Catherine's Day).

Prva adventska nedjelja (Advent Sunday) occurs on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, marking the moment when the first of the four candles on the Advent wreath is lit.

In the capital, Zagreb, locals traditionally visit outdoor wooden stalls where they can buy handmade crafts, roasted chestnuts, and mulled wine.

On Christmas Eve, Croatians traditionally enjoy a dish called 'bakalar'—a type of dried cod.

House of worship: Zagreb Cathedral of the Assumption is the tallest building in Croatia. This stunning neo-Gothic cathedral is home to one of the most renowned organs in the world. (10000 Zagreb, Croatia; +385 1 481 4727)

Germany

Families across Germany traditionally create an Advent wreath with four candles, each representing a week of Advent. Each Sunday, they gather around the wreath to sing carols and light another candle.

Stollen, a German Christmas bread similar to fruitcake, is one of the oldest festive treats. Additionally, Advent calendars often contain little doors, behind which German children find chocolate treats.

House of worship: Asam Church, though not the largest in Munich, is certainly one of the most decorative. Built by two brothers as a private chapel, its smaller size means it’s also often less crowded. (Sendlinger Str. 32, 80331 Munich, Germany; +49 89 2368 7989)

Hungary

In addition to Advent wreaths and calendars filled with chocolates, a notable Hungarian tradition during Advent is the matins.

These early morning Masses take place every dawn from the first Sunday of Advent through to Christmas Eve. They are sometimes referred to as the Angelic Mass or Golden Mass.

A popular Advent pastry in Hungary is the beigli, a rolled dough traditionally filled with poppy seeds or walnuts.

Hungarians have a deep love for music, and Christmas concerts are a staple tradition in Budapest, as well as in other cities and towns across the country.

House of worship: St. Stephen’s Basilica, the largest church in Budapest, is a relatively modern structure by European standards, having been consecrated in 1905 after several decades of construction. The neoclassical design is stunning, and the panoramic views from the top are reportedly breathtaking. (Szent Istvan ter 1, Pest, Budapest 1051, Hungary)

Mexico

In Mexico, Advent is marked by the religious tradition known as Las Posadas (Spanish for 'The Inns'). This nine-day event commemorates the journey of Mary and Joseph and takes place from December 16 to 24.

Each evening, children dressed as angels lead a procession in towns and cities across Mexico, visiting chosen homes. At each stop, they are turned away but often offered refreshments.

This tradition is also observed in certain regions of the United States.

House of worship: Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Latin America. Its construction spanned over two centuries, blending various architectural styles. (Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral, Plaza de la Constitución, Centro, Mexico City, Mexico, +52 55 5510 0440)

Poland

In Poland, a deeply Catholic nation, Advent is a time of prayer, fasting, and spiritual reflection leading up to Christmas, as noted by the Polish Women’s Alliance of America. People spend the long, dark nights indoors, crafting Christmas tree decorations, making homemade gifts, baking holiday treats, and preparing for the festivities ahead.

Polish traditions include attending roraty, early-morning Masses held before dawn. During these services, participants light candles, symbolizing the approach of daylight and the promise of salvation.

In both villages and city centers, outdoor stalls are set up adorned with Christmas decorations, where people distribute candies, small gifts, and greeting cards.

Krakow celebrates the beginning of Advent by lighting up the beautiful Rynek Square with festive lights, greenery, and garlands.

House of worship: The construction of St. Mary’s Basilica in Krakow began in the late 1200s and was consecrated in 1320. Over the centuries, the basilica has been renovated multiple times. Its unique asymmetrical towers make it a striking landmark. (Plac Mariacki 5, 31-042 Kraków, Poland; +48 12 422 05 21)

United Kingdom

Although many Advent and Christmas traditions in the United Kingdom have been observed for centuries, Christingles is a relatively recent addition. Originating with the Moravians in 1740s Germany, it was only introduced in the UK in the late 1960s.

The term refers to both a symbolic object and a religious service. Christingles are made by decorating an orange with a candle, red ribbon, and sweets.

The Christingles service typically includes prayers, readings, and songs. It also serves as a fundraiser for children's charities. While it can take place from the beginning of Advent until Candlemas, it is most commonly held on Christmas Eve.

House of worship: Salisbury Cathedral is one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in the UK and boasts the tallest spire in Britain. Its construction began in 1220. (6 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EJ, UK; +44 1722 555120)

Nativity Fast

Eastern Orthodox churches observe the Nativity Fast as a period of preparation for Christmas, lasting from November 15 to December 24 on the Revised Julian Calendar, which aligns with the Gregorian Calendar used by most of the world today.

For Orthodox churches adhering to the traditional Julian Calendar, the period extends from November 28 to January 6.