Advent is a masculine noun with Latin etymology, in the term adventum, which means coming or arrival. The word advent can also mean foundation or creation of something (for example: the advent of the internet or the advent of the Republic).
They get this name the four weeks before Christmas. This liturgical period evokes the double coming of Jesus Christ: that which took place in Bethlehem, when He came into the world, and that which will take place on His return on the Day of Judgment. Therefore, the characteristic of this time, with which the ecclesiastical year begins, is purification as a preparation to receive the One who is to come. The penitential character of Advent is accentuated by the liturgical color, which is the purple.
Advent is a period mentioned in the religious calendar, it is a time of joy for Christians, characterized by preparation for the birth of Jesus. It is for this reason that today the advent period is defined by the four weeks before Christmas, having beginning on the Sunday closest to the 30th of November, going until the 24th of December, being the first time of the year liturgical.
According to the Bible, the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary in a vision, saying that she would soon give birth to a boy, the son of God who would come to bring light into the world. This waiting time is characterized today as an advent.
advent crown
The advent wreath is a wreath of fir branches, with four candles (tapers), which are lit one after the other on the four Advent Sundays. This custom is relatively recent, perhaps dating back to the 19th century, and having spread after World War I.
This branch is full of symbolism. Its circular shape represents eternity and its color refers to hope and life. On many wreaths, there is a red ribbon, which symbolizes God's love for humanity and the love of people awaiting the birth of Jesus.
The four candles in the crown represent each of the four weeks and are lit on each Advent Sunday.
