Third Advent Sunday in Germany

When did the Third Advent Sunday in Germany start?

The first recorded date of Third Advent Sunday in Germany being celebrated on December 14 was in the year 1855.

About Third Advent Sunday in Germany Holiday

As the holiday season approaches, Germany's festive spirit is in full swing. And on the Third Advent Sunday, the country comes alive with its charming Christmas markets, delectable traditional dishes, and its heartwarming traditions.

For centuries, the people of Germany have celebrated the Advent season leading up to Christmas, and the Third Advent Sunday, also known as Gaudete Sunday, holds a special place in their hearts. It marks the midway point of the Advent season, and is a time for reflection, joy, and anticipation.

One of the highlights of this day is the beautiful Advent wreath, adorned with four candles representing hope, love, joy, and peace. As the third candle is lit, the towns and cities of Germany are filled with the warm glow of the season, illuminating the snow-covered streets and charming architecture. The atmosphere is lively and inviting, as locals and visitors alike join in the festivities and indulge in traditional foods such as roasted chestnuts, gingerbread, and mulled wine.

But the Third Advent Sunday is not only about indulging in delicious treats and admiring the decorations. It is also a time for family and community, with many attending church services or spending quality time with loved ones. The strong sense of community and togetherness during this holiday is what makes the Third Advent Sunday truly special in Germany.

So come and experience the magic of the Third Advent Sunday in Germany, where tradition, culture, and holiday cheer come together in a perfect blend. Whether you are looking for a quiet getaway or a bustling holiday destination, Germany has something for everyone, and there is no better time to visit than during this special time of year.

The Celebration of Third Advent Sunday in Germany: A Cultural and Festive Delight

Key Takeaways:

• The Third Advent Sunday is a significant holiday in Germany and is celebrated on the third Sunday before Christmas.
• It is a time for reflection, community, and joy as families and friends come together to celebrate.
• From its origins as a religious holiday to its modern-day celebrations, the Third Advent Sunday is filled with traditions, symbols, and delicious food.
• It is a popular time for shopping, as German Christmas markets come alive with festive stalls and decorations.
• Holiday wishes, messages, and quotes are an integral part of Third Advent Sunday celebrations.

History and Origin:

The Third Advent Sunday, also known as the Gaudete Sunday, has its roots in the Roman Catholic Church. It falls on the third Sunday before Christmas, marking the beginning of Advent, the season of preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ.

Traditionally, Advent was a time of fasting and penitence, but the Third Advent Sunday was meant to be a break from the somberness. ‘Gaudete’ means rejoice in Latin and the day was meant to convey a sense of joy and anticipation for the coming of Christmas.

Over time, the holiday evolved to become more secular, and it is now celebrated by both Catholics and Protestants in Germany. While the religious significance of the holiday still remains, the focus has shifted towards family, community, and the festive spirit.

Significance and Meaning:

The Third Advent Sunday holds a special place in the hearts of Germans, as it symbolizes the approaching joy and warmth of Christmas. It is a time for reflection and preparation, as well as a time to be thankful for the blessings and loved ones in one’s life.

The holiday also represents the spirit of giving and generosity, as many families and communities come together to support those in need during this time. It is a reminder to be kind, compassionate, and to spread love and joy to others.

Symbols and Decorations:

One of the most iconic symbols of the Third Advent Sunday is the Advent wreath. A wreath made of evergreen branches with four candles placed on it, one for each Sunday of Advent. Each candle represents a different aspect of the season – hope, love, joy, and peace.

Other common decorations include stars, angels, and the color purple, which is a symbol of penance and preparation in the Catholic tradition.

Traditions and Celebrations:

The Third Advent Sunday is a time for family traditions and celebrations in Germany. Families often light the Advent wreath and say prayers together, read from the Bible, or sing Christmas carols.

In some regions, children dress up as angels and go from house to house singing traditional Advent songs. They are often rewarded with sweets or coins for their performance.

Many towns and cities also hold Christmas markets during the Third Advent Sunday. These markets are a feast for the senses, with traditional food, drinks, handcrafted gifts, and festive music. It is a popular place for families and friends to gather and soak in the holiday spirit.

Food and Cuisine:

German cuisine is famous for its hearty and comforting dishes, and the Third Advent Sunday is no exception. Traditional dishes include roasted goose, potato dumplings, and braised red cabbage.

Stollen, a sweet bread filled with dried fruits and nuts, is a must-have during the holiday season. Another popular treat is lebkuchen, a type of spiced gingerbread cookie. These traditional treats are often enjoyed with a warm cup of glühwein, a hot mulled wine that is a staple at Christmas markets.

Attire and Costumes:

There are no specific clothing or costumes associated with the Third Advent Sunday. However, many families dress in traditional festive attire such as sweaters, scarves, and hats in festive colors like red, green, and white.

Some children may also dress up in angel costumes for their performances during the holiday.

Music and Songs:

Music plays an integral part in the celebrations of the Third Advent Sunday. Traditional songs such as “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” are sung and enjoyed by many.

German Christmas carols, known as ‘Weihnachtslieder’, are also sung in homes and churches during this time. The most famous of these is “Stille Nacht” or “Silent Night”, which was composed in Austria in 1818.

Geographical Spread:

The Third Advent Sunday is celebrated throughout Germany, with regional variations in traditions and customs. In southern Germany, families may bake a special bread called the Christstollen, while in the north, families may have a special dinner with seafood and fish dishes.

A popular tradition in the western region of Rhineland is the ‘stealing’ of the Christ-child. A child is chosen from the village, dressed in white as the Christ-child, and ‘stolen’ by men walking around with lanterns. The child is then returned to the church, where a Nativity play is performed.

Modern-Day Observations:

Today, the Third Advent Sunday is still celebrated with much gusto and has also become an important time for shopping in Germany. The famous German Christmas markets attract tourists from all over the world, adding to the festive atmosphere with their unique decorations, handmade gifts, and delicious food and drinks.

In recent years, there has also been a growing trend towards sustainable and environmentally-friendly celebrations, with many people opting for eco-friendly decorations and gifts.

Interesting Facts or Trivia:

• The name ‘Advent’ comes from the Latin word ‘adventus’, meaning ‘coming’.
• The Advent wreath was first used in the 16th century by German Lutherans.
• In Germany, the four weeks leading up to Christmas are called ‘adventswochen’, meaning ‘advent weeks’.
• The first known Christmas market in Germany was in Munich in 1310.
• In some regions of Germany, the Third Advent Sunday is also known as Stir-up Sunday, as families traditionally make their Christmas pudding on this day.

Holiday Wishes:

• Wishing you a joyful Third Advent Sunday surrounded by loved ones.
• May the light of the Third Advent Sunday fill your heart with hope and love.
• Warmest wishes for a peaceful and meaningful Third Advent Sunday.
• May this holy day be a reminder of all the things to be grateful for.
• Wishing you a blessed and merry Third Advent Sunday.

Holiday Messages:

• May the Third Advent Sunday bring you and your family closer together in love and laughter.
• Wishing you a season filled with hope, faith, and love.
• Embrace the spirit of giving and sharing this Third Advent Sunday.
• May the warmth and joy of the Third Advent Sunday stay with you throughout the year.
• Wishing you peace and happiness on this special day and always.

Holiday Quotes:

• “Christmas isn’t a season, it’s a feeling.” – Edna Ferber
• “Christmas is a day of meaning and traditions, a special day spent in the warm circle of family and friends.” – Margaret Thatcher
• “The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others’ burdens, easing other’s loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of the holidays.” – W. C. Jones
• “Let us remember that the Christmas heart is a giving heart, a wide-open heart that thinks of others first.” – George Matthew Adams
• “Christmas is a tonic for our souls. It moves us to think of others rather than of ourselves. It directs our thoughts to giving.” – B. C. Forbes

Other Popular Holiday Info:

From December 1st to December 24th, many Germans celebrate ‘Advent Calendars’ by opening a small numbered door each day leading up to Christmas. These calendars can be filled with chocolates, small gifts, or acts of kindness.

In some regions, the Third Advent Sunday is also known as ‘Lasst-uns-schaun-Sonntag’, which translates to ‘let’s see Sunday’. This is because it is the day when children are allowed to unwrap some of their presents, giving them a glimpse of what is to come on Christmas day.

Another tradition in Germany is the baking of ‘Advent Plätzchen’, or special cookies eaten during the Advent season. These delicious cookies come in various shapes and sizes and are often decorated with icing and sprinkles.

FAQ:

Q: Is the Third Advent Sunday only celebrated in Germany?

A: While it is most prominently celebrated in Germany, the Third Advent Sunday is also observed in other European countries, such as Austria, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

Q: What is the traditional date for the Third Advent Sunday?

A: The holiday falls on the third Sunday before Christmas; however, the date may vary each year.

Q: Is the Third Advent Sunday a public holiday in Germany?

A: No, it is not a public holiday, but many businesses and schools may be closed or have reduced operating hours on this day.

Conclusion:

The Third Advent Sunday in Germany is a cherished holiday that brings together family, community, and the festive spirit. From its origins in the Catholic Church to its modern-day celebrations, the holiday is filled with traditions, symbols, and delicious food that make it a truly unique experience.

As we celebrate the Third Advent Sunday, let us reflect on the true meaning of the holiday and spread love, joy, and kindness to those around us. Let us embrace the spirit of giving and cherish the memories made with our loved ones on this special day. Frohe Dritte Adventssonntag! (Happy Third Advent Sunday!)

How to Say "Third Advent Sunday in Germany" In Different Languages?