The advent calendar has become a beloved tradition for many families leading up to Christmas Day. Behind each little door lies a fun surprise – often a small piece of chocolate or a tiny gift.
But have you ever wondered about the history and meaning behind this popular holiday custom?
In this post, as a professional custom advent calendar printing manufacturer, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about advent calendars, including:
- The religious roots of Advent
- How the advent calendar tradition started
- The symbolism and spiritual meaning
- Fun facts about advent calendars through history
And yes, I’ll even share the best advent calendar ideas, from DIY alternatives to quirky themed versions for adults.
So let’s dive in!
What Is the Meaning of “Advent”?
The word “advent” comes from the Latin term “adventus“, which means “coming” or “arrival.”
In the Christian church calendar, Advent marks the start of a new liturgical year. It’s also the beginning of a season leading up to Christmas Day.
More precisely, Advent refers to the “coming” or “arrival” of Jesus Christ. So it has a double meaning:
- Anticipating Christ’s birth
- Preparing for His expected second coming
During this season, the church looks back at Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. It also looks ahead in hopeful expectation that Jesus will one day return.
So in essence, observing Advent is all about waiting, preparation, and eager anticipation!
When Does the Advent Season Fall Each Year?
The Advent season always starts on the fourth Sunday before December 25, Christmas Day. It lasts for four Sundays, ending on Christmas Eve.
However, most Advent calendars begin on December 1st to align with the month leading up to the 25th.
The History of the Advent Calendar Tradition
Nowadays, Advent calendars take many creative forms – from reusable fabric pouches to luxury beauty product countdowns.
But where did this idea originate? And how did it become tied to Christmas?
Here’s a quick look at how Advent calendars came to be.
Early Advent Traditions
As early as the 4th century AD, Christians were setting aside time before Christmas for fasting and reflection. Some families would mark off the days by making tally marks on their doors.
In the 16th century, Catholics and Lutherans began the custom of displaying Advent wreaths with 24 candles. One candle was lit each day to represent the light of Christ coming into the world.
The First Printed Advent Calendars
The first known Advent calendar appeared in 1851 in Germany. It was handmade, featuring 24 colorful pictures that children would pin up day by day.
Then in 1902, Gerhard Lang produced and sold the first printed Advent calendar. It came with tiny doors that opened to reveal Bible verses and Christmas images.
Lang continued tinkering with the design over the next few decades:
- 1908: He made a new version with 24 small colorful flaps that children could lift to find Christmas symbols underneath.
- 1920s: His Advent calendars now featured rows of little doors tied with ribbon that could be opened.
- Mid-1920s: He introduced the first Advent calendars with a tiny piece of chocolate behind each door.
Advent Calendars Catch On
Thanks to Lang’s creative designs, Advent calendars grew popular in Germany in the early 20th century.
Their appeal spread across Europe over the next few decades. However, Advent calendars didn’t make it to the U.S. until the 1950s.
A Newsweek cover showing President Eisenhower’s grandchildren with an Advent calendar helped boost their profile. American families wanted in on the fun!
The Religious Meaning Behind Advent Calendars
For devout Christians, Advent calendars can enrich spiritual practices during this season.
The act of opening one marked door per day creates a sense of anticipation. It’s also an easy way to engage children in the deeper meaning of Christmas.
Here are some of the key symbolic elements of the Advent calendar tradition:
The 24 Doors
Most Advent calendars include 24 numbered doors, with December 1st through 24th displayed. (Some have 25 doors to include Christmas Day).
This daily ritual keeps us focused on the countdown to Jesus’s birthday on the 25th. It builds a growing sense of excitement through visual markers.
Contents Behind Each Door
Instead of doors, early Advent calendars simply had 24 blank spaces. Children could fill them in with verses, prayers, or stickers as Christmas approached.
The tiny doors create a fun element of surprise. You never know what treat might lie behind the next one!
Modern calendars may hide everything from Bible verses to Lego figurines to beauty samples. But no matter what, opening the doors offers a creative outlet for anticipation.
Historical Side Note: The very first calendar with chocolate was produced by Cadbury in 1958. So we can thank them for this tasty Advent tradition!
Light Overcoming Darkness
Another element is the contrast between doors shut and doors open.
The closed doors represent the darkness of sin, despair, and human struggles. But opening them lets light and hope shine through, overcoming the darkness.
So with each new door, we’re reminded of God’s promise that no matter how dark things seem, Jesus’s birth brought salvation and joy into the world.
Interesting Facts About Advent Calendars
Now that you know the history and symbolism, here are a few more fun facts about Advent calendars through the years:
- During World War II, Advent calendars disappeared because Germany rationed cardboard for the war effort.
- The world’s largest advent calendar is 65 feet tall, located on a house in Germany. Someone has to stand on a crane to open the last door!
- Parents spend an average of $50 on Advent calendars for their kids.
- One of the most expensive calendars is filled with Tiffany & Co. jewelry worth over $100,000!
- There’s a limited edition advent calendar just for dogs called BarkBox.
- You can now get virtual advent calendars featuring daily emails, downloads, or even charitable donations.
No matter which creative direction it takes, the Advent calendar tradition brings a little touch of surprise and wonder to the busy holiday season.
Advent Calendar Ideas to Try This Year
If all this talk of tiny doors and chocolate has you itching to buy or create your own Advent calendar, here are 23 ideas (in no particular order) to explore:
- Crunchy chocolate-filled calendar
- Reusable fabric calendar to stuff with goodies
- DIY calendar made from paper bags or socks
- Sparkly Barbie doll calendar
- Stylish scented candle version
- Boozy Advent with mini wine or liquor bottles
- Classy cheese calendar from Europe
- Unique Harry Potter spell calendar
- Retro paper calendar with ’80s toys inside
- Limited edition Lego Star Wars calendar set
- All-natural beauty product beauty calendar
- Funko Pop movie character Advent
- Sleek modern holiday countdown design
- Whimsical homemade sock snowman calendar
- Advent tea sampler calendar for tea lovers
- Enchanting fairy garden mini scene calendar
- Sweet Honey Hive honey stick flavors calendar
- Practical pocket calendar notebook
- Rustic homemade wood countdown blocks
- Adorable plush Christmas story character set
- Interactive book Advent with stories behind each door
- Christmas tree-shaped calendar to hang on the wall
- Christmas countdown featuring your favorite TV show or movie
Have you spotted any other fun Advent calendar ideas out there? Share in the comments below!
I don’t know about you, but writing this has put me in the mood to start crafting. Only 334 days to go… 😉
Pin this post to save all these Advent calendar ideas for later!
In Summary…
Tracing its origins back to 19th century Germany, the playful Advent calendar has become an annual way for many families to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.
While the treats differ, this creative tradition reminds us all to slow down and wait with hopeful anticipation, just as the ancient prophets did for the coming Messiah.
So the next time you peek behind a tiny calendar door this holiday season, remember the rich history and symbolism hidden within.
Now tell me: Do Advent calendars play a role in your Christmas preparations each year? Share your thoughts and favorite types of Advent calendars below!