Advent Calendars
Stuff You Missed in History Class
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The Origins and Traditions of Advent
This chapter provides a detailed explanation of various Advent traditions and practices, including the history and significance of Advent wreaths, calendars, and trees. It explores the origins of these traditions in Germany and their connection to both religious observances and family traditions.
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The religious observation of Advent has shifted and changed through the years. But how did we get to a point where an Advent calendar is also a non-religious Christmas countdown with chocolates or other treats?
Research:
- Allen, Scott. “A Brief History of Advent Calendars.” Mental Floss. Dec. 1, 2010. https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/26522/brief-history-advent-calendars
- “A Look Back at the Advent of the Advent Calendar.” The Journal Times. (Racine, Wisconsin.) November 25, 2006. https://www.newspapers.com/image/342040471/?terms=advent%20history
- Beck, Katherine. “The Sweet History of Chocolate in Advent Calendars.” Tasting Table. Nov. 3, 2022. https://www.tastingtable.com/1084507/the-sweet-history-of-chocolate-in-advent-calendars/
- Bostrom, Kathleen Long. “Waiting for Christmas: A Story about the Advent Calendar.” Zonderkidz. 2006.
- Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Advent". Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Nov. 2023, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Advent
- Butler, Alban. “The Moveable Feasts, Fasts, and Other Annual Observances of the Catholic Church.” John Morris. 1775. Accessed online: https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Moveable_Feasts_Fasts_and_Other_Annu/xL94Kwv5JkYC?hl=en&gbpv=0
- “Advent Calendars.” German Christmas Museum. https://www.weihnachtsmuseum.de/en/adventskalender
- Johnson, Maxwell E. “Between Memory and Hope: Readings on the Lirturgical Year.” Liturgical Press. 2022.
- “Largest Advent Calendar.” Guiness Book of World Records. https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/largest-advent-calendar
- “President Eisenhower’s Grandchildren.” Getty Images/ Bettmann Archive. 1954. https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/president-eisenhowers-three-grandchildren-join-in-an-appeal-news-photo/1177519748
- Tanner, Jeremy and NEXSTAR MEDIA WIRE. “How did Advent calendars become a beloved holiday tradition?” The Hill. Dec. 11, 2022. https://thehill.com/homenews/3763921-how-did-advent-calendars-become-a-beloved-holiday-tradition/
- Treisman, Rachel. “Advent calendars, explained: Where they came from and why they're everywhere now.” NPR. Updated Nov. 6, 2023. https://www.npr.org/2022/12/11/1141855237/advent-calendar-history-evolution#:~:text=German%20publisher%20Gerhard%20Lang%20is,one%20each%20day%20of%20Advent.
- “The story of the Advent calendar.” SELLMER ADVENTSKALENDER. https://sellmer-adventskalender.com/en-us/pages/history-of-the-advent-calendar
- Holcomb, Justin. “What is Advent? The History, Meaning, and Traditions.” Christianity.com. Nov. 13, 2023. https://www.christianity.com/wiki/holidays/what-is-advent.html
- Blakemore, Erin. “What is Advent – and why do we mark it with treat-filled calendars?” National Geographic. Nov. 29, 2021. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/advent-is-a-season-of-candlelight-reflection-and-expectation
- “Porsche advent calendar on sale for $1million includes yacht and watch.” Metro UK. Sept. 26, 2010. https://metro.co.uk/2010/09/26/porsche-advent-calendar-on-sale-for-1million-includes-yacht-and-watch-532456/
- Shain, Susan. “Day 1: The Joy of Counting Down.” New York Times. Nov. 30, 2022. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/30/style/day-1-the-joy-of-counting-down.html
- “What is Advent?” United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. https://www.usccb.org/prayer-worship/liturgical-year/advent
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