This year, once again, we are setting up an advent calendar on our Instagram account @ateliersteustache , the opportunity to introduce you to new creators. But where does this tradition of the advent calendar come from?
Religious sources of the Advent calendar
Let's go back to the 19th century , to Germany . For believers, the Advent period, from the Latin " " adventus " meant " arrival ", allowing one to prepare for the birth of Jesus Christ , however, the Advent season begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas , unlike the calendar which begins on December 1st .
At that time, it was customary for Protestant families to offer a religious picture to their children every morning until Christmas . The pictures would become more and more sumptuous. In 1908 , Gerhard Lang , a medical book publisher in Munich , would market these small pictures by binding them on a cardboard support , often associated with a phrase from the Gospel.
A few years later, the window calendar, as we know it, was created. Gradually, the calendars became more and more creative , the images gave way to figurines .
The modern calendar
Religious calendars gradually faded away in the face of the emergence of secular calendars , particularly the famous chocolate calendars that appeared in 1958. Different types of calendars also emerged over the years, such as calendars containing toys for children.
But adults are not left out, calendars containing tea and infusions, cosmetics, beers, jewelry, books, etc. have appeared on the market in recent years. Even our animal friends have not been forgotten.
If the content tends to change more and more, the traditional shape of the calendar has also evolved . Originally a simple rectangle, we now find calendars in the shape of fir trees, houses, and even socks!
It is also common to make your own Advent calendar : some brands play on the DIY trend by offering the creation of your own calendar, but you can also make it from A to Z yourself by following tutorials on the Internet.
Towards the digitalization of the Advent calendar
With the arrival of social networks, the Advent calendar has also become digital. Many brands, such as Atelier St Eustache , offer competitions throughout the month of December, in partnership with other brands or alone, allowing the discovery of new brands and pleasing subscribers.
On YouTube, the term " vlogmas " has emerged, referring to vlog videos posted throughout the month of December until Christmas , to the delight of the subscribers of the influencers in question.
Thus, the Christmas period is conducive to creation and we see new Advent calendar concepts flourishing every year, a symbol of the latter's evolution since its creation.
And you, are you going to participate in our Advent calendar? 🎁