It’s a tradition that children (and adults) love in December. Throughout the month, we open the famous little boxes in Advent calendars, revealing a chocolate treat, a beauty product or some other surprise.
Open a cupboard in December and you’re sure to come across a beautiful cardboard object with 24, or even 25, squares spread out in no particular order. Each day, the search begins to find out what the gift will be. And there’s something for everyone! Chocolate, tea, sweets, make-up, wine, perfumes, decorative items, delicatessen products, cheese and even personalised items… Young and old are sure to be delighted.
But who knows that this ritual that keeps us waiting until the end of the year celebrations goes back a very long way?
Religious origins
We have to go back centuries to understand this custom, which is closely linked to religion. In the 6th century, Christians were preparing for the coming of Jesus Christ. The word ‘Advent’ comes from the Latin adventus, meaning ‘arrival’. Advent, which begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, was then a period of fasting, like a second Lent. It was Pope Gregory I who propelled this tradition into the religious calendar.
Click here to read the full article on Luxus Magazine.
Featured photo : © DR
