Advent is the time in the Catholic Church that precedes Christmas and lasts until December 24th. On this occasion we have prepared for you dedicated coloring pages which we hope will appeal to both young and old, who love to paint pictures. Take a look at the other departments we have prepared for you this Christmas.
Advent Coloring Pages
information
- Duration: Advent lasts four weeks. It begins on the first Sunday after the feast of St. Andrew (which falls on November 30) and ends on December 24.
- Liturgical color: During Advent, the liturgical color is purple (symbol of repentance and conversion), although pink is used on the third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete (Rejoicing) Sunday.
- Advent Wreaths: Many Christians make Advent wreaths that have four candles. Each Sunday of Advent, one candle is lit, symbolizing the approach of Christmas.
- Post: Advent was originally a time of fasting, much like Lent before Easter. Although strict fasting regulations have been relaxed, it is still a time of reflection and internal preparation.
- Waiting: Advent focuses on the anticipation of two "comings" - a reminder of Jesus' first coming in the form of the birth in Bethlehem and the anticipation of His second coming at the end of time.
- Liturgy: The liturgical readings during the Advent season focus on the Old Testament prophets who foretold the coming of the Messiah, and the New Testament teaching on preparing for Christ's second coming.
- Traditions: In different countries and Christian traditions, Advent is celebrated in different ways. Some countries have special Advent calendars that count down the days until Christmas, and children discover a new surprise or picture every day.
- Habits: In Poland and many other countries, there are various customs associated with Advent, such as special Advent songs, retreats, and the preparation of wafers.
trivia
- The beginning of Advent: The first mention of Advent dates back to the 5th century AD. That's when Christians in Europe began observing a four-week fast before Christmas, similar to Lent before Easter.
- Pink color: The third Sunday of Advent is called "Gaudete Sunday," which in Latin means "to rejoice." On this day in churches, the liturgical color purple may be replaced by pink, symbolizing joy and optimism at the halfway point of Advent.
- Advent calendars: Initially, Advent calendars were simple - consisting of dashes on the wall or pieces of straw thrown into a stable. Today, these calendars are often lavishly decorated and contain chocolates or other surprises behind each window.
- Customs in different countries: In some countries, such as Germany, young people dress up as "Santa Claus" and visit homes, singing carols and collecting donations for charity.
- Advent in Scandinavia: Popular in Scandinavian countries is the custom of "Adventsljusstake" - special candlesticks with seven or four candles, which are lit consecutively each Sunday of Advent.
- Advent Wreaths: The tradition of making Advent wreaths originated in Germany in the 19th century. Earlier, wreaths were hung from the ceiling and each day another small candle was lit, and each Sunday of Advent a large candle was lit.
- "O Antiphons": In the Catholic Church, from December 17 to 23, the liturgy features special antiphons called "O Antiphons," which focus on the various titles of the Messiah and indicate the deep anticipation of His coming.
- The beginning of the new liturgical year: For many Christian traditions, Advent not only precedes Christmas, but also marks the beginning of a new liturgical year.