The History of Advent Calendars

As the holiday season approaches, homes worldwide begin to sparkle with decorations, and anticipation fills the air. Among the cherished traditions that herald the countdown to Christmas, the Advent calendar holds a special place in the hearts of many. This simple yet delightful practice transforms the four weeks before Christmas into a daily celebration, often revealing small surprises behind each door or window. But have you ever wondered how advent calendar history became such a beloved fixture of the festive season? How did it begin, and what is the advent calendar's origin?

The Origin of Advent Calendars 

Advent calendar history began in 19th-century Germany among Lutheran families eager to enhance the anticipation of Christmas. Early methods were simple: families would make chalk marks on doors or walls for each day of December leading up to Christmas Eve. This visual countdown helped children grasp the passage of time until the holiday arrived.

In 1839, Johann Hinrich Wichern, a German Protestant minister, introduced the Advent wreath. He created a large wooden ring with 24 small candles attached to engage the children at his mission school. Each day, a new candle was lit, illuminating the room and symbolizing the approaching light of Christmas. This practice added a tangible and exciting element to the countdown, deepening the sense of expectation.

By the mid-19th century, the concept evolved as families started crafting homemade Advent calendars. These often involved attaching 24 devotional images or scripture verses to a piece of cardboard or displaying them prominently in the home. Revealing a new picture each day provided a moment for reflection on the spiritual significance of the season.

The shift from handmade to printed calendars occurred in the early 20th century. In 1908, Gerhard Lang, a German publisher from Munich, produced and printed what is considered in advent calendar history as the first Advent calendar with doors to open. Drawing inspiration from his mother's tradition of affixing tiny pictures to cardboard, Lang's design featured 24 doors hiding festive images or biblical passages. This interactive element captivated the public and laid the foundation for the modern Advent calendar, combining anticipation with daily surprises.

The Popularization of Advent Calendars

Following Gerhard Lang's innovative calendars in the early 20th century, the Advent calendar tradition quickly gained popularity across Germany. By the 1920s, mass production made them widely accessible and a holiday staple in German households. The excitement of discovering a new image or message daily resonated with children and adults, cementing the Advent calendar as a cherished custom.

In the 1930s, chocolates behind each door added a sweet delight to the daily ritual, marking a pivotal moment in the history of Advent calendars. This development significantly increased their appeal, especially among children, and represented a shift toward more commercial calendar versions. Although World War II caused a temporary halt in production due to material shortages and restrictions, the tradition was revived in 1946 by Richard Sellmer of Stuttgart. His company played a pivotal role in reintroducing Advent calendars in Germany and internationally, further enriching advent calendar history.

The tradition spread to the United States in the 1950s, gaining notable attention when President Dwight D. Eisenhower was photographed opening an Advent calendar with his grandchildren. This endorsement helped integrate the custom into American holiday culture, adding a significant milestone to the advent calendar's history. From the 1960s onward, Advent calendars diversified in design and content, embracing secular themes like Santa Claus and winter landscapes. They began to include a variety of surprises, such as toys, beauty products, and even digital experiences in the 21st century. Today, Advent calendars are a global phenomenon available in countless variations, including advent calendar candles or a wooden advent calendar puzzle, embodying the joy and anticipation of the holiday season—a testament to the rich advent calendar history that has evolved over centuries.

Advent Calendar History Timeline

19th Century

• Early 1800s: German Lutherans begin marking the days of Advent by drawing chalk lines on doors or lighting candles daily, fostering anticipation for Christmas.
• 1839: Johann Hinrich Wichern, a German Protestant pastor, created an early Advent calendar by crafting a wooden ring with 24 candles, which led to the Advent wreath tradition.
• Mid-1800s: Homemade Advent calendars emerge in Germany. Families attach 24 devotional images or religious pictures to cardboard, revealing one each day during Advent.

20th Century

• 1908: Gerhard Lang, a German printer, produces the first printed Advent calendar with little doors to open, inspired by his childhood experience with his mother's homemade calendar.
• 1920s: Mass production of Advent calendars begins in Germany, popularizing the tradition nationwide with festive scenes and religious motifs behind each door.
• 1930s: Chocolate Advent calendars are introduced, with sweet treats behind each door, increasing their appeal to children.
• 1939–1945 (World War II): Production halts due to material shortages and restrictions; Advent calendars with images are discouraged in Germany.
• 1946: Richard Sellmer of Stuttgart revives Advent calendar production post-war, reintroducing the tradition in Germany and abroad.
• 1950s: Advent calendars gain popularity in the United States, notably boosted when President Dwight D. Eisenhower was photographed opening one with his grandchildren.
• 1958: The first exclusively chocolate-filled Advent calendars are produced, cementing the trend of edible treats in the countdown.
• 1960s–1990s: Advent calendars diversify globally, featuring secular themes like winter scenes and Santa Claus, expanding beyond religious imagery.

21st Century

• 2000s: Advent calendars evolve to include toys, beauty products, pet treats, and luxury items catering to children and adults.
• 2010s: Digital Advent calendars emerge, offering online surprises, downloadable content, and interactive experiences.
• 2020s: Eco-friendly and innovative Advent calendars gain popularity, focusing on sustainability and experiences rather than physical gifts.

Advent Calendar and Traditions

The Advent calendar tradition has a rich history intertwined with religious and cultural developments. While it originated within Christian practices, marking the Advent calendar origins, it has since expanded to include secular elements embraced by a wider audience. Understanding the religious significance alongside the secular adaptation provides a deeper appreciation of how advent calendar history reflects a blend of faith and festivity. 

Christian Religious Tradition

The Advent calendar has deep roots in Christian tradition, originating from the period of Advent in the liturgical calendar. "Advent," derived from the Latin word adventus meaning "coming," is four weeks of preparation and anticipation for the birth of Jesus Christ celebrated on Christmas Day. Advent is a time for reflection, prayer, and spiritual readiness in Christian churches.

Early Advent calendars were deeply intertwined with religious practices. Families would engage in daily rituals reinforcing Christian teachings, such as lighting a new candle each day or revealing a holy image or biblical verse. These practices were tangible reminders of the spiritual journey leading up to Christmas. The images behind each door of the calendar often depicted scenes from the Nativity story, angels, shepherds, and other symbols associated with the birth of Christ.

The Advent calendar was an educational tool for Christian families, especially children. It provided a daily opportunity to discuss the holiday's significance, reinforcing the values and stories central to the Christian faith. By incorporating these elements into the countdown to Christmas, the Advent calendar helped to keep the focus on the religious meaning of the season amidst the growing secular festivities.

Secular Tradition

Over time, the Advent calendar story evolved beyond its strictly religious origins to become a widespread secular tradition embraced by people of various backgrounds and beliefs. This shift began in the mid-20th century as the commercialization of Christmas gained momentum. Manufacturers and marketers saw an opportunity to expand the appeal of Advent calendars by introducing secular themes and contents.

Secular Advent calendars often feature non-religious imagery such as Santa Claus, reindeer, snowmen, and festive winter scenes. The surprises behind each door have diversified to include chocolates, toys, beauty products, pet treats, and even gourmet foods and beverages. This expansion transformed the Advent calendar into a general countdown to Christmas, emphasizing joy, anticipation, and the spirit of giving.

The secularization of Advent calendars made them more accessible and appealing to a broader audience, including those who may not observe Christmas as a religious holiday. It allowed for creative expression and personalization, with calendars catering to various interests and age groups. From luxury brand offerings to DIY creations, the Advent calendar, in its secular form, has become a versatile and cherished part of the holiday season.

Despite the shift towards secular themes, the essence of the Advent calendar remains unchanged: it is a tool for building excitement and marking the days leading up to Christmas. Whether rooted in religious tradition or simply serving as a fun daily surprise, the Advent calendar continues to bring joy and a sense of anticipation to households around the world during the festive season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Did Advent Calendars Come From?

Advent calendars originated in 19th-century Germany among Lutheran communities. Rooted in Christian traditions that emphasized anticipation of the "adventus"—Latin for "coming"—referring to the birth of Jesus Christ, the calendars began to help families, especially children, visualize the countdown to Christmas. 

How Did Advent Calendars Originate?

Advent calendars originated among Lutheran communities in Germany. They began as simple practices like marking chalk lines on doors or lighting candles each day during Advent to help families, especially children, anticipate Christmas.

When was the First Advent Calendar?

The first handmade Advent calendars appeared in the mid-19th century, featuring 24 small devotional images or religious pictures that families would display daily. The transition from homemade creations to printed calendars occurred in the early 20th century. In 1908, a German printer named Gerhard Lang is credited with producing the first printed Advent calendar. Inspired by a childhood tradition where his mother attached 24 colored pictures to a piece of cardboard, Lang's calendar featured little doors that could be opened each day to reveal a festive image or biblical verse. This innovation added an element of surprise and interactivity that quickly gained popularity.

How Many Days Do Advent Calendars Usually Have?

Traditionally, Advent calendars have 24 days, counting down from December 1st to Christmas Eve on December 24th. This aligns with the Christian Advent period that prepares for the coming (adventus in Latin) of Jesus Christ. Each day represents a step closer to Christmas Day, building anticipation throughout December. However, some modern Advent calendars feature 12 days instead of 24. These 12-day calendars often serve as a shorter countdown leading to Christmas or represent the "Twelve Days of Christmas." 

What Types of Advent Calendars are Available Today?

Today, Advent calendars range from traditional ones with chocolates or small toys to unique, fun options for the whole family. For those seeking a more sophisticated experience, the best advent calendars for adults offer luxury items, beauty products, digital downloads, and creative options like puzzle advent calendars. 

Shop our collection of Advent and Christmas puzzles at Nautilus Puzzles today. Experience the best advent calendar with our limited edition exquisite 2024 Advent calendar puzzle, offering 12 days of puzzles with a 13th bonus puzzle. This will become a loved tradition each Christmas and a unique addition to any puzzle enthusiast's collection.