In the mad dash towards Christmas, Advent is sometimes overlooked. But this church season has traditions and charm all its own. Here are a few ways people around the world commemeorate and celebrate in Advent. Hopefully they’ll inspire you to honor this sacred time.
Sweden: St. Lucia Day
The feast of St. Lucy, or St. Lucia as she’s known in Sweden, falls each year during Advent on December 13th. To honor the martyr whose name means “light” girls in Sweden, traditionally the oldest girl in a family, dress in white with a wreath of candles on their head. Baked goods are served and lights are abundant.
Mexico: Las Posadas
The nine nights leading up to Christmas are a time of celebration in Mexico and other countries. Las Posadas means “the inns” and includes a dramatization of Mary and St. Joseph being turned away from various places in Bethlehem. Traditionally, a boy and girl dress as the holy couple and lead a procession of songs and carols from home to home before arriving at the final “inn” for refreshments.
Eastern Catholics: Nativity Fast
For Eastern Catholics, the time leading up to Christmas is observed as a period of fasting. The Nativity Fast or Philip’s Fast traditionally begins on November 15th the day following the Feast of St. Philip on the Eastern calendar. While customs differ, the complete traditional fast includes no meat, fish, or dairy for the majority of the 40 day period of preparation.
Italy: Nativity Scene Contests
St. Francis is creditted with creating the first Nativity display. Continuing on the saint’s tradition, Italy is home to some incredible Nativities in the weeks leading up to Christmas. These displays are often pitted against one another in competitions for best Nativity. St. Peter’s Square usually boasts their own elaborate or artistic Nativity scene each Advent.
Phillipines: Simbang Gabi
Similar to Mexico’s nine days of processions, people in the Phillipines observe a nine day period leading up to Christmas of early morning Masses. The novena can be made for a particular request but is primarily a preparation for celebrating Christ’s birth and a way of honoring the Mother of God. Traditional Philipinio food is often served following Mass.
Poland: Roraty Masses
Never outdone in devotion, people in Poland traditionally celebrate an early morning Mass every weekday in Advent. In keeping with a more solemn and spiritual nature for Advent, the Masses traditionally began in the dark, just before dawn. The introit for this Mass, known as the Rorate Caeli, recalls the words of the Book of Isaiah: “drop down, ye Heavens”. Traditionally, families processed to the church carrying lanterns to light their way.
While your country or heritage may not have any of these devotions, we can all find a way to commemorate this special season as we prepare for the coming of Christ this Christmas.
Featured Image: Ralf Peter Reimann on Flickr