Advent

Advent indicates the beginning of the ecclesiastical year for the Christian Church, as the liturgical season prepatory to Christmas. In the Roman and derived calendars, it begins on the Sunday nearest St. Andrew's Day (Nov.30). While the origin of the liturgical Advent is undetermined, a synod at Sargossa in 380 prescribed a similar penitential preparation for Christmas.

Since about the 7th century, Advent has been a tempus clausum (closed season) during which marriage is not ordinarily solemnised. The Roman Advent liturgy, while penitential in tone and marked by the use of violet vestments, the substitution of folded chasubles (a sleeveless outer vestment) and the omission of the Te Deum in Matins and the Gloria in the Mass, abounds in allusions to the birth of Christ and draws its Lessons mostly from the prophecy of Isaiah. On the third Sunday, called Gaudete (Rejoice ye!), rose-coloured vestments are used and the organ may be played. Outside the Roman liturgy, the Book of Common Prayer also provides for the observance of Advent.