In the old days, you would make wreaths, because they are beautiful, and because they are a symbol of the infinite and everlasting goodness of the divine. Where I come from, people would make wreaths throughout the year and hang them on doors and entrances, to guard from evil spirits.
The advent wreath is a special form, for it is laid flat on the table and four candles are added to it. Throughout the 24 days up to Christmas, the four candles are lit on each Sunday, starting with the first candle on the first Sunday, or Advent, the second candle on the second Advent and so forth. The candles represent the dawn of the Saviour coming, chasing the darkness of the cold winter days and making way for spring to come. And so the evergreen used to decorate it.
Today is the second advent, and I’m lighting the second candle of our advent wreath. And because Pfupf, though looking very grown up now, still is a kitten at heart, ours is made from metal for this year, for he’d definitely pick it apart in a jiffy were it made from evergreen. Also Pfupf is the reason behind all our statues and sculptures lying temporarily down, as you can see the one on the piano.
*This is Les Poissonchats Wondrous Advent Calendar! Advent calendars are a big tradition where I come from: every day until Christmas Day you prepare a small gift for a loved one, fourandtwenty little surprises. Advent calendars come in beautifully old fashioned prints on cardboard, extra glitter and glory, and each day there’s a little perforated window waiting for you be opened. Others are more elaborate, pretty baskets filled with twenty four numbered parcels, red velvet ribbons and sprigs of fir. The one I’m making for you this season is a different one altogether, it comes in digital form. Unless specially marked, all content is hand-stitched by myself, lovingly compiled and written for your amusement.
Les Poissonchats 