Spiritually, it’s meant as a celebration of the Earthly birth of Jesus around 2,000 years ago but also a preparation and anticipation for the second coming of Christ. House of worship: Salzburg Cathedral is an iconic symbol of this Austrian city. Built in the same location as two previous churches, the foundation for the current Baroque structure with its two commanding towers was laid in 1641. (Kapitelplatz 2, PO Box 62, 5010 Salzburg, Austria; +43 662 65901 515 ) About 86% of the people in this Balkan Peninsula country are Roman Catholic, and Advent is a big part of the religious life here. For some Croatians, preparations for Christmas actually begin before Advent on November 25, which is Sveta Kata (St. Catherine’s Day).

The 25 best advent calendars of 2023 - The Telegraph

Krakow marks the first Sunday of Advent by decorating beautiful Rynek Square square with lights, boughs and garlands. House of worship: Zagreb Cathedral of the Assumption is the tallest building in Croatia, and this neo-Gothic structure holds what is considered one of the most splendid organs in the world. (10000 Zagreb, Croatia; +385 1 481 4727) These are a daily Mass held every dawn from the first Sunday of Advent to the first day of Christmas. You may hear it called the Angelic Mass or Golden Mass. Wreaths, candles and calendars. These are sure signs of Advent for many Christian groups around the world. But what is Advent exactly? For Orthodox churches that still follow the traditional ancient Julian Calendar, those dates are November 28 to January 6.People also set up outdoor booths in village and city squares, decorated in themes of Christmas, where they will pass out candy, little gifts and cards. The English version of the hymn we sing today has some variation from the original, but anyone visiting Austria who happens to catch a performance should immediately recognize the soothing sound. The word Advent derives from the Latin adventus , which means an arrival or visit. Advent is the beginning of the spiritual year for these churches, and it’s observed the four Sundays before Christmas Day. In 2022, Advent starts Sunday, November 27. Each Sunday has a different spiritual theme and often involves the ceremonial lighting of an Advent candle. The word can mean both a symbolic item and a service. You make Christingles from an orange, which you decorate with a candle, red tape and sweets.

Advent is a season of candlelight, reflection, and expectation Advent is a season of candlelight, reflection, and expectation

The Christingles service might involve prayers, readings and singing. It also serves as a fundraiser for children’s charities. It can be held at the start of Advent all the way to Candlemas, but Christmas Eve is a popular time to hold a service. Eastern Orthodox churches mark the lead-up to Christmas with a Nativity Fast. It goes from November 15 to December 24 on the Revised Julian Calendar, which follows the Gregorian Calendar that most of the world currently uses.

China might not immediately come to mind when you think of Advent, but roughly 5.1% of the population of 1.41 billion is Christian.

Advent - Wikipedia Advent - Wikipedia

Each evening in cities and villages across Mexico, a child dressed as an angel leads a processional, usually made up of children. They go to selected homes, where they are denied entry but often given refreshments. The picturesque city of Salzburg, from “The Sound of Music” fame, traditionally has numerous musical performances of the sacred hymn. Prva adventska nedjelja (or Advent Sunday) is the fourth Sunday before Christmas, and the first of four candles in the Advent wreath is lit.House of worship: Salisbury Cathedral is one of the finest Gothic cathedrals in the United Kingdom and has Britain’s tallest spire. Its foundation stones were laid in 1220. (6 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EJ, UK; +44 1722 555120)