Pope Perpetuus proposed a time for pre-preparation for Christmas in 490. Today, we call this time Advent. He feared the increasing decadence of the celebrations beginning to swirl around the observance of Christ's birth. Advent is a much-celebrated part of Christmas history even now in many parts of the world.
Perpetuus suggested fasting on each Monday, Wednesday and Friday from Martinmas (November 11) until Christmas eve. These preparations were similar to the idea of Lent in the spring. Easter, at the time, was Christianity's biggest Holy Day, and he felt that Christmas should be honored in the same tradition.
Though it was not called such, the idea of Advent quickly spread throughout Europe, but crashed and burned when it came to Rome. There was no way that the newest converts to the religion were going to give up their feasting and other festivities - even if by now they had toned them down measurably.
Fasting did not enjoy popularity for very long among the peasant populations, though at first it was quite well-received. There are several reasons for this.
Winter is the traditional time of butchering livestock and of hunting. By doing this at the first of the winter weather, livestock would not be competing for the meager food supply needed to feed the people until the next harvest.
Since meat does not keep well, doing the butchering in the cold weather would prolong the supply of protein by keeping the meat cold, if not frozen.
Hunting - where it was allowed - would take place at the same time so as to consolidate the butchering chores. So - this was about the only time of the year that the people had a large and ready supply of fresh meat.
The wines and beers which had been prepared from the harvest were finally ready to drink at about this time of year as well.
Given these circumstances, it is easy to see why the idea of fasting at Advent was unpopular among the masses. Thus, the idea of fasting was dropped. Though the idea was brought back several times over the centuries, it has never really caught on.
Since this time of year was traditional to celebrate the last of the harvest work. Pagan celebrations also continued in the countryside. Sooner or later, something had to give. Much of the early part of Christmas history has to do with the pastoral lifestyles of the people in the first centuries AD. As much as things tend to change, the more they change, the more they stay the same. In modern times, we enjoy a party much more than a fast as well -
The celebrations of Advent and Christmas that we recognize today came in part from the give-and-take required to convert the pagans to Christianity. Advent is only one of these compromises.
When one considers the idea of Advent, the first thought that comes to mind is the Advent Calendar. These calendars were invented in an effort to remind people of the meaning and story behind celebrating the birth of Christ. Each day could be opened, and inside was a gift or a picture depicting a progressing part of the story of Jesus' birth.
Another part of the celebration is the Advent Wreath. Traditionally 5 candles in a circle of greenery, many times with a Cross in the center. Once a week for the four weeks preceding Christmas, one of the candles in the ring was lit. Stories and games depicting a part of the Nativity story were told and played. On Christmas Eve, the candle in the center of the Cross was lit to signify the birth of the Savior.
Special foods are still eaten during Advent, more probably from ancient and historic local traditions than from any significance to the story of Christmas. However, these are a much-cherished part of the celebrations, and always add to the feelings of joy and peace that come from preparation for the Christmas holiday.
And - as you can see, we have been trying to "put Christ back into Christmas" throughout Christmas history!
Many Blessings
GrannySue
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