Advent 2018 will begin on
The most commonly given starting point for the Middle Ages is around 500,[11] with the date of 476 first used by Bruni
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lt is unknown when the period of preparation for Christmas that is now called Advent first began – it was certainly in existence from about 480 – and the novelty introduced by the Council of Tours of 567 was to order monks to fast every day in the month of December until Christmas.[12] Some have even said it goes back to the time of the Twelve Apostles or that it was founded by Saint Peter.[13] This has led to the conclusion that it is "impossible to claim with confidence a credible explanation of the origin of Advent".[14]
Associated with Advent was a period of fasting, known also as the Nativity Fast or the Fast of December.[15]
Representation of Saint Perpetuus
According to some sources, the celebration of Advent began in the fifth century when the Bishop Perpetuus directed that starting with the feast of St. Martin, 11 November, until Christmas, one fasts three times per week; this is why Advent is also named Lent of St. Martin. According to historians, this practice remained limited to the diocese of Tours until the sixth century.[16]
But the Macon council held in 581 adopted the practice in Tours and soon all France observed three days of fasting a week from the feast of Saint Martin until Christmas. The most devout worshipers in some countries exceeded the requirements adopted by the Council of Macon, and fasted every day of Advent. The homilies of Gregory the Great in the late sixth century showed four weeks to the liturgical season of Advent, but without the observance of a fast.[17] However, under Charlemagne in the ninth century, writings claim that the fast was still widely observed.
Many churches also hold special musical events, such as Nine Lessons and Carols and singing of Handel's Messiahoratorio. Also, the Advent Prose, an antiphonal plainsong, may be sung. The "Late Advent Weekdays", 17–24 December, mark the singing of the Great Advent 'O antiphons'.[28] These are the daily antiphons for the Magnificat at Vespers, or Evening Prayer (in the Roman Catholic and Lutheran churches) and Evensong in Anglican churches, and mark the forthcoming birth of the Messiah. They form the basis for each verse of the popular Advent hymn, "O come, O come, Emmanuel".en.wikipedia.org/...
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