Advent
(from several sources but mostly from “The Pagan Origins
of Christian Holidays” by Elisha Israel)
“Hear the word which the Lord speaks to you, O house of
Israel: Thus says the Lord, Do not learn the way of the Gentiles; do not be
dismayed at the signs of heaven, for the Gentiles are dismayed at them. For the
customs of the people are futile: for one cuts a tree from the forest, the work
of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They decorate it with silver and
with gold; they fasten it with nails and hammers so that it will not topple.”
-Jeremiah 10: 1-4 (NKJV)
Advent
begins the liturgical (prescribed ritual for public worship) year which was mentioned
as early as 380 A.D. The word “Advent” is from the Latin word “adventus” which
means “coming”.
This coming that was celebrated was the arrival of pagan
gods into pagan temples. It was believed that the gods dwelt amongst the
worshippers during this time.
After Constantine passed the Edict of Milan (313 A.D.),
which allowed the practice of the Christian religion, pagan feasts suck as
adventus were given a Christian twist. (if you can’t beat them join them,
infiltrate them and water down their strongholds) During this shift
adventus/advent was equated with the coming of the Messiah.
The Advent
wreath is a reminder of its pagan origins. The lighting of candles is a
Catholic custom however the sun was central to pagan worship so the advent candle
probably predates Catholicism. The pagans would light bonfires, or Yule logs,
and torches in honor of the dying sun (Winter Solstice) to please the sun-god
and ensure he would return. Worshippers would also decorate cart-wheels with
candles which turned into the Christian practice of lighting wreaths.
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