The popularity of Advent calendars has exploded in recent years. These special calendars that count down the days until Christmas are now commercially available in thousands of fun and creative designs. But is Advent calendar Catholic? Where did this tradition come from?
As a custom advent calendar printing manufacturer, I decided to do some digging into the history and religious significance of the Advent calendar. Here’s what I discovered.
The Catholic Origins of Advent Calendar
At its core, the Advent calendar is closely tied to the Catholic liturgical season of Advent.
Advent always begins four Sundays before Christmas Day and concludes on Christmas Eve, December 24. This special season marks the beginning of the Catholic Church’s liturgical year as a time of spiritual preparation for Christmas.
The word “Advent” comes from the Latin term adventus, meaning “coming.” For Catholics, Advent is all about anticipating the coming of Jesus Christ. His first coming as a baby born in Bethlehem. And Catholics also reflect on Christ’s second coming at the end of time.
The first known Advent calendars emerged in 19th century Germany among Lutheran Christian communities. The calendars helped families count down the days until Christmas as part of their Advent observance.
By the early 20th century, printed Advent calendars became popular in Germany. While Advent customs like calendars and wreaths are now enjoyed by many Christians today, the Catholic Church established Advent on its liturgical calendar many centuries ago.
So while Advent itself is not exclusively Catholic, the season and many related traditions have distinctly Catholic origins.
Why Do Catholics Use Advent Calendars?
Beyond counting down to the big day, Advent calendars can enrich Catholics’ spiritual life in some important ways:
- Deepen Understanding of Advent – Opening the calendar daily offers opportunities to reflect on Advent’s religious significance. Children especially can learn about Bible verses and symbols related to awaiting Jesus’ coming.
- Build Excitement and Anticipation – The countdown fuels excitement for Christmas in a new way each day, which mirrors the anticipatory nature of Advent.
- Encourage Prayer and Reflection – Many calendars include special prayers or reflections to guide one’s heart and mind toward Christ.
- Spark Family Conversations – Parents can deepen bonds with children through discussions about calendar activities and the meaning of Advent symbols.
- Have Fun! – Counting treats, opening surprise gifts, adding ornaments – Advent calendars make the season fun for Catholics of all ages!
So while the Advent calendar has expanded beyond its Catholic origins, using one can still enrich families’ spiritual Christmas preparations.
Popular Catholic Advent Calendar Traditions
Many Catholic families have unique Advent calendar traditions to unite their members in special ways leading up to the Nativity. Here are some popular examples:
Liturgical Calendars
Catholic calendars often highlight Bible verses, saints’ quotes, or images that illustrate the Advent and Christmas story. These liturgical Advent calendars keep the focus on spiritual growth.
The Vatican even offers a free, printable migrant-themed Advent calendar each year encouraging prayer and good deeds.
DIY Calendars
Crafty, creative types often DIY Advent calendars for their families using everything from handmade felt banners to wooden drawer boxes. Parents can customize them with symbols of the season like Jesus’ monogram, crowns, stars, etc.
They can incorporate scripture verses or hide secret notes of affection and encouragement for kids to discover daily. The options for these DIY calendars are endless!
Jesse Trees
The Jesse tree Advent calendar combines a Christmas tree with the religious Advent calendar concept. The name comes from Isaiah 11:1, referring to Jesus’ ancestor Jesse.
Jesse tree ornaments feature various symbols that tell the biblical story of salvation history leading up to Jesus’ birth. Families add select symbols daily, gradually decorating their biblical Christmas tree.
Acts of Kindness
Kindness-themed Advent calendars focus on doing good deeds and serving others. Whether through donations, volunteer work, chores, etc. families can spread joy and celebrate the true spirit of Christmas.
Learning about the origins and Catholic significance of Advent calendars opened my eyes to their valuable role for spiritual growth. I hope this guide provided helpful insight into this meaningful tradition!
Let me know in the comments – did you have any special Advent calendar customs growing up? I’d love to hear your stories!