Opening a door every day on the calendar or lighting a candle on the Advent wreath on Sundays - all these are beautiful traditions that are so beloved during the cold season.
But how did these traditions come about? The Advent calendar was invented by the Protestants in 1902, for example, to shorten the waiting time for Christmas for children - 24 doors with 24 surprises. The Advent wreath was invented in 1839 by Johann Hinrich Wichern, when he also wanted to bring joy to the children of an orphanage. A candle was lit every evening from the 1st Advent to Christmas Eve. In this way the children were made aware of the number of days until Christmas. The oldest documented Christmas market even took place in Dresden in 1434.
Even if the Christmas time will be different this year, certain Christmas traditions will remain and put us in the right mood for Christmas.
We wish you all a wonderful Advent.