Christmas Traditions:
Advent in Germany, Austria and Switzerland
The Advent tradition is a religious celebration in preparation for the arrival, or “advent” of the Christ Child (das Christkind) on his “official” birthday, the 25th day of December. The Advent season and its celebration have changed over the years from a more serious, somber character (including giving up things, as for Lent) to one of a more joyous nature — including such treats as chocolate-filled Advent calendars. The four weeks and four Advent Sundays leading up to Christmas Eve are a happy time – at least for those not too caught up in the increasingly hectic and commercial aspects of this time of the year.
Not your average Advent wreath: The large outdoor Advent wreath on display at the fountain on the main square near the Basilica in Mariazell, Austria is 12 meters (40 ft) in diameter and weighs six tons. PHOTO: Peter Asinger (Wikimedia Commons)
When Is Advent?
The first Advent Sunday is the one immediately following November 26, thus making the 27th of November the earliest possible date, and the 3rd of December the latest. In 2021 the first Advent Sunday was November 28. For 2022 the date fell on November 27. But in 2023 the first Advent Sunday won’t be until December 3. Four Sundays after the first Advent Sunday, it’s almost Christmas. Most German Christmas markets open in late November, around the beginning of Advent.
| More on The German Way The German Way Advent Calendar Daily Christmas-in-Germany facts starting on Dec. 1 |
The Advent Wreath (Adventskranz)
Today in German-speaking Europe many families set up an Advent wreath (Adventskranz) on the first Advent Sunday (the fourth before Christmas) to start off the Advent season. A typical Advent wreath has four candles, one for each Advent Sunday leading up to Christmas Eve. Some wreaths also feature a fifth candle in the center, usually larger than the other four. Traditional families gather around the wreath on each Advent Sunday to light the next candle and sing Christmas carols. This was even more important in the past, when the Christmas tree was usually reserved for a special unveiling only on Christmas Eve. Until then, the Advent wreath provided the evergreen look and aroma in the house.
Advent Calendar
The Advent or Christmas calendar began as a plain card with paper backing. On the face were 24 windows, that when opened revealed various Christmas symbols and scenes. These windows or small doors were to be opened, one each day, over the 24 days leading up to Heiligabend or Christmas Eve. The largest window is still reserved for December 24th and usually offers a view of the Nativity.
Today the most popular version of this calendar is the candy-filled variety. Instead of mere pictures, the windows open to reveal pieces of chocolate shaped to resemble stars, fir trees, and other Christmas symbols.
There are also Advent calendars online. See our own online Advent Calendar with Christmas Facts starting on December 1.
Advent, Advent
Traditional, author unknown
An Advent song for children in German with English translation.
Advent, Advent,
ein Lichtlein brennt.
Erst ein, dann zwei,
dann drei, dann vier,
dann steht das Christkind vor der Tür.
Advent, Advent,
A little candle burns.
First one, then two,
then three, then four,
then stands the Christ Child at the door.
The Schwibbogen
What’s a Schwibbogen? It’s yet another German Christmas custom known as the candle arch. Like some other German Christmas decor, it comes from Saxony and the Ore Mountains. See the German Christmas Candle Arch: der Schwibbogen for more.
Other Christmas Customs
Of course, there are many other Germanic Christmas contributions. For instance, it is a real treat to wander through Germany’s annual Christmas markets — the most famous being Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt — to see, taste, and smell all the Christmas goodies, from Lebkuchen (gingerbread) to Stollen (fruit bread). Marzipan, made with almonds and sugar, is also a German treat. And the aroma of Glühwein (“glow wine”) will warm you up even before you actually drink this German version of hot mulled wine.
A traditional Advent wreath with four candles burning. PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons
Beyond the four weeks of Advent, there is much more to tell about Christmas in German-speaking Europe. We haven’t even touched on Krampus, Knecht Ruprecht, Barbarazweig, and the numerous other fascinating elements of Weihnachten. That’s why we have the links below to pages where you can find out more.
Einen Frohen Advent!
Unlike Anglophones, German-speakers do not wish people a merry Christmas before Christmas Eve! What do they say instead? They wish a person a “happy Advent” – einen frohen Advent! or frohe Adventszeit! (Advent time). So, if you happen to be in a German-speaking country during the four-week Advent period, don’t go around wishing people a merry Christmas! Save “frohe Weihnachten!” for the Twelve Days of Christmas that begin on Christmas Eve.
Bauernregel |
| “Ist die Weihnacht hell und klar, hofft man auf ein fruchtbar Jahr. Steckt die Krähe zu Weihnacht im Klee, sitzt sie zu Ostern oft im Schnee.” |
| “If Christmas is bright and clear, one hopes for an abundant year. If the crow is standing in clover at Christmas, she’ll be sitting in snow at Easter.” – Traditional Bauernregel (“farmer’s/rural saying”) |
MORE > The German Way Advent Calendar with Christmas facts
MORE > Christmas Carol Lyrics – Popular German and Austrian carols with lyrics in German and English
Next | Barbarazweig
Related Pages
AT THE GERMAN WAY
- Christmas from A to Z – German Christmas traditions and terms
- Advent Calendar with German Christmas Facts – Our special Advent calendar reveals a new Christmas fact each day from Dec. 1 to Christmas Eve.
- Christmas Markets in Germany and Europe – A guide to Christmas markets in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland
- Christmas Carol Lyrics – Popular German and Austrian carols with lyrics in German and English
- Christmas in the USA and Germany– A comparison chart
- Barbarazweig – The legend and the Christmas custom
- Epiphany and the Sternsinger – January 6 in the Germanic Christmas tradition
- Krampus, the Christmas Devil of Alpine Europe – In Austria and other Alpine regions, St. Nicholas confronts a demonic, nasty character known as Krampus and other regional names.
- Erntedank (“harvest thanksgiving”) or Erntedankfest in Germany and Austria is different from the American Thanksgiving tradition.
- St. Nicholas – The many German St. Nicks
- Thomas Nast created the modern Santa image.
- The Christmas Pickle Ornament – Fact or fiction?
- Silent Night (Stille Nacht) – Our “Silent Night” page has the true story and related links.
- Holidays and Celebrations in Austria, Germany and Switzerland
- Glass Ornaments – a history
0 Comments