Advent Calendar Meaning

Every year the winter holiday season delights us with a host of traditions and magical moments. Whether it’s hanging a stocking for the arrival of Santa Claus to fill or decorating the tree with ornaments, the Christmas spirit captivates families around the world. One of the best parts of Christmas is the anticipation of the big day itself. This countdown to Christmas is loved by adults and children alike, and is usually accompanied by one special item: an advent calendar. Every day in December in the run up to Christmas, every child looks forward to peeling back a new door on their advent calendar to discover a delicious chocolate treat inside. One small bite of chocolate is enough to bring a moment of daily joy, but why do we have this tradition in the first place? Let's take a closer look at the meaning behind advent calendars and the history of them. 

The word ‘advent’ comes from the Latin ‘Adventus’, meaning ‘coming’. It marks a time of spiritual preparation, anticipation, and hope and is a month-long period of celebration. The advent period begins on the 4th Sunday before the Christmas day, which is often any time between the dates of November 27th and December 3rd. This liturgical tradition has been changed slightly with advent calendars, and most advent calendars start on December 1st and run until December 24th. During this time, each day is marked with a small piece of chocolate found inside the calendar, which can be enjoyed with a Christmas hot chocolate or even a glass of something more festive with the perfect chocolate wine pairing. But where did the advent calendar begin? 

The first numbered advent calendar dates back to Germany with the printer Gerhard Lang making the first cardboard calendars in the early 1900s. Countdown to Christmas in Germany back then was done with chalk markings on the wall, or sometimes with a candle that was burned a little each day. Taking inspiration from his mother’s calendars, he began to design his own. Each day there would be a new piece of chocolate or a sweet behind the door. After a certain period Richard Sellmer took up advent calendar making in Stuttgart with winter scenery. The history of chocolate advent calendars came when they were later exported to places like America and England where they became popular staples of the festive season with a focus on classic winter scenes and holiday stories. 

After Sellmer began exporting his Christmas calendars around the world, it wasn’t until 1958 that the first popular calendar was produced which featured chocolate behind doors. In fact, they became even more popular in America after President Eisenhower was pictured in Newsweek with his grandchildren enjoying one. In the UK, a chocolate maker launched a version of their own in 1971, but they gained in mass popularity in the early 1990s. In the 21st century, the focus of advent calendars has moved to a more commercial production, away from the preparations of the advent period to popular themes such as cartoon characters and winter scenes. They still remain a popular Christmas chocolate gift around the world.  

If you want to celebrate the Christmas period in style, indulge in our luxury chocolate advent calendar to bring light and joy into your home at this time of year. Expertly crafted with the most delicious chocolate treats, you can buy a La Maison du Chocolat advent calendar for yourself as well as for loved ones who appreciate exquisite tastes. We also have a range of other personalized chocolate gifts to surprise family and friends, and Christmas chocolate gift baskets too. You can discover a selection of yummy chocolate Christmas dessert recipes on our website including rich French chocolate mousse and Xmas cookies, a real treat for the whole family.