Where and when did Advent originate?
There is evidence of some period of preparation for the Christmas-Epiphany celebration as early as the mid-fourth century. At that time in France, the preparation for Christmas began on the Feast of St. Martin (Nov. 11) and lasted through Christmas to Epiphany, which was one of the principal days for the celebration of baptism by adults. Sixth-century Irish missionaries emphasized the last judgment, so Advent became a penitential season with fasting, prayer and purple vestments. The four-week Advent season developed in the sixth century under Pope Gregory the Great and included prayers focused on the Incarnation of Christ. While the Roman liturgy began taking shape in the 11th century, it was codified by the Council of Trent (1545-63) and enhanced by Vatican II. The liturgy has some elements of a penitential season, such as purple vestments, but is primarily a time of joyful expectation. The Alleluia is retained. The Gloria is omitted, but for a different reason: in order that on the n
