Advent is a special time in Norway. It starts four Sundays before Christmas eve and symbolizes the waiting period before the birth of the Saviour Jesus Christ.
It's tradition to hang an Advent Star in the window for people to see. This symbolizes the star over Bethlehem. It's also common to have an Advent wreath on the coffee table with four purple candles (see video below). Each candle represents one of the four Sundays before Christmas, and you start lighting just one candle the first Sunday, then two for the second, and so on.
My family always sung an Advent song while lighting the candles, and always combined it with tea, coffee, and an evening snack together as a family. This is common for many families in Norway, especially those belonging to the Christian faith.
Many schools have Advent time in the morning before class where they sing songs, do an advent calendar (see further down), light candles, and read Christmas stories. During the time of Advent Norwegian kids will more than likely learn about the Nativity story, and it's tradition for most schools to attend church for a Christmas service on the last day before Christmas break.
Our most known Advent song performed by Norwegian artist Helene Bøksle for "Kirkens Nødhjelp", a Norwegian aid organization. See translation see below the video.
Tenn Lys - Helene Bøksle (Light a candle, Norwegian Advent song)
Light a candle.
Let it shine for our little earth.
The bright heaven star, where everyone lives.
May everyone share in the hope, so that good things may happen.
May it be a place where earth and heaven meet.
Light a candle.
Light a candle.
Let two candles shine for love and for faith,
for the caretakers, and the ones who builds bridges.
May prisoners get their freedom and refugees a place to call home.
Light a candle for the ones who grieve, and for those who comfort them.
Light a candle.
The three of them shall burn for those forced to fight
for justice and for freedom. They need our help.
May no one loose their courage before all people are as one.
Light a candle for those who fight for freedom and for peace.
Light a candle.
Four lights shine for Him.
The One who loves everything that lives, every lion every lamb.
Light a candle for the King of heaven who the shepherds saw.
Now earth and heaven meet, in a child laid in a manger.
Light a candle
For all of life’s riches, for earth, air and water.
Light a candle for peace and for friendship, for children of all countries.
May no-one be afraid, and no-one lack a home or bread to eat.
Shine light and hope into the world to end poverty and suffering.
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Something many Norwegian kids look forward to when Advent draws near is the Advent calendar common in most Norwegian homes. The calendar goes from December 1st through December 24th, and typically consists of small gifts or chocolates, one for each day. On TV, the Norwegian state channel NRK (much like the British BBC) airs a special Advent Calendar show for the whole family. This is often some kind of Christmas themed mystery with a new episode every day. Check out the video above.
Advent is a time to reflect and to prepare. People bake, clean, shop and get ready for Christmas which officially starts on December 24th and goes through new years eve.
Hope you learned something about the Norwegian Advent celebration.
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