Advent, << AD vehnt, >> is the season that marks the beginning of the Christian church year. It starts on the Sunday nearest St. Andrew’s Day (November 30), and it continues until Christmas Eve (December 24). The term comes from the Latin word adventus, which means coming or arrival. The season is thus one of preparation for the celebration of the feast of the Nativity of Jesus Christ on Christmas Day. See Christmas ( Developing Christmas traditions) ; Christmas ( Europe) .
Beginning in the 500’s, the Advent season was marked by a spirit of penitence, and it lasted as long as six weeks. Under the influence of the church in Rome, the season was gradually reduced to four weeks. The season in modern times has taken on a spirit of somber yet joyful preparation for the Advent of Christ, both in His birth in Bethlehem and on Judgment Day. During Advent, the clergy usually wear vestments of royal purple or royal blue.
