9/29/2025
Advent Traditions
When lighting candles on the Christmas wreath or baking gingerbread, do we ever realize how curiously varied the advent traditions are in different countries? Let us look at the traditions related to advent in different corners of Europe. Despite their diversity, they still have something in common.
Advent Calendar from Germany
Many of the advent traditions that Czechs cherish as their own actually come from Germany. Given the history of the nations and the proximity of the countries, it is hardly surprising. For instance, the advent calendar evolved from a 19th century religious routine. Every day, children would write down one verse from the Bible or select a picture. Later it gradually developed into the chocolate surprise board we know today. The green advent wreath with four candles was invented by evangelical pastor Johann Hinrich Wichern who wanted to make the waiting for Christmas easier to bear for children.
Demons in the Streets
Our Austrian neighbours cannot imagine the advent without the scary character of Krampus. The horned hairy creature with heavy chains and a ghastly mask accompanies St Nicholas on 5 December. Together they walk the streets, but while St Nicholas gives presents to all good children, Krampus is there to punish the naughty ones.
All over the country, men in masks gather at so called Krampuslaufs. They run through the streets rattling their chains and scaring bystanders. The popular tradition stemming from pagan rituals is also kept in some parts of Germany, and recently has been adopted in several Czech towns.
🧝 Thirteen Gnomes With Potatoes
In Iceland, the advent is the time of thirteen Christmas gnomes called “Jólasveinar”. From 12 to 24 December, the gnomes take turns at night to leave kids some presents in their shoes. Good children usually find sweets, while nasty ones get potatoes. Every gnome has his name and specific habits – one eats skyr, one steals sausages, one slams doors… But there are downsides to this tradition. The mother of the thirteen gnomes, the troll named Grýla, is said to snatch naughty children to boil them in a cauldron. It is just as scary as the giant Christmas cat called “Jólakötturinn” which eats all people who do not get any new piece of clothing for Christmas. Horrible as it might sound, in what other country can you see children so happy when they get a soft present?
Caganer, Lottery and Rooster Mass
The advent in Spain has two highlights. The first is the Christmas lottery “El Gordo” on 22 December. Millions of people watch it to see who gets the fabulous stake. The other is the traditional “Misa del Gallo” – Rooster Mass, served at midnight on Christmas Day. In Catalonia, nativity scenes feature a very odd character. “El Caganer” is a pooping man who symbolises fertility, human nature, and rich harvest.
TEXT: Bibiana Munková
PHOTO: Shutterstock.com
Illustration: AI
The whole article can be found in the winter issue of the Leo Express magazine
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