Časoris

We have entered the Advent season. What does that mean?

Are you wondering what Advent is exactly?

And what about the Advent fair, Advent wreath, and all the Advent Sundays?

Children may already be familiar with advent calendars.

The name advent comes from the Latin word adventus, which means arrival. For Christians this is a time of anticipation and preparation for Christmas.

Holiday fair in Bled. Photo: Matej Vranič (www.slovenia.info)
Holiday fair in Bled. Photo: Matej Vranič (www.slovenia.info)

Advent is best symbolized by an Advent wreath with four candles, which you usually place in the middle of the dining table at home.

You light the first candle on the first Sunday of Advent, and then an additional one every Sunday. After the last Sunday of Advent, when all four candles are burning on the wreath, Christmas follows.

Advent goodies. Photo: Amarosy/Dreamstime
Advent goodies. Photo: Amarosy/Dreamstime

Advent is also closely connected to food.

Kitchens at home smell of gingerbread, potica, and cookies, which can also be found at the Advent fairs.

The first good man, St. Nicholas, may sneak into your kitchen tonight. He brings small gifts to good boys and girls – mandarines, cookies, candy, or maybe a small toy.

For those who aren’t good, St. Nicholas will only bring “šiba,” which is like a whip from the branch of a hazelnut or birch tree.

But St. Nicholas doesn’t work alone! He is accompanied by angels and little demons.

Hairy devils that rattle loudly with chains can be scary, and many children are afraid of them. But do not fear – they only really scare naughty children.

You can meet St. Nicholas with his loud companions already this afternoon at the parades around Slovenia.

Points to Consider

  1. When did Advent start this year?
  2. What is another name for Saint Nicholas?
  3. Are you already getting ready for Christmas at home?

***

The original version of this article was published on 5th December.

Mateja

je novinarka in mama dveh odraščajočih deklet, ki svoj prosti čas najraje nameni športu. Rada ima sneg, še raje valove, najraje pa pleza nekje v naravi.

Rebecca

Svetina is an English translator, EFL educator, and graphic designer. She is an American who has lived in Slovenia since 2008. She loves hiking and traveling with her family.

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