Advent Ushers in Holiday Season

The first Sunday of Advent, celebrated this year on November 28, traditionally brings a surge of attendance to the nation's churches. Lutherans are particularly drawn by the singing of the rousing Hymn No. 1, "Hoosiaana", which signals the launch of the new liturgical year and the Christmas season.

The main Lutheran religious season lasts until Epiphany, which falls on Thursday, January 6, 2011. It formally continues until the sixth Sunday after that, in mid-February.

In many homes this Sunday is marked by lighting the first of four Advent candles on a circular wreath. On Wednesday, December 1, most small Finnish children begin the daily ritual of opening a window on Advent calendars. These are given out at churches or sold to benefit for various charities. Some even have small boxes including tiny treats or gifts.

Advent is however an austere time in ecclesiastic terms, comparable to Lent in the run-up to Easter. Indeed, the period between the first Monday of Advent until Christmas Eve was formerly known as "Little Lent" in Finland.

Sing-Alongs and Symbolism

Advent brings another tradition popular even with those who do not normally attend church: sing-along carol concerts, known as "The Most Beautiful Christmas Songs". At Lutheran churches, they have been co-sponsored since 1973 by the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission. Nearly one million people -- nearly one-fifth of the population -- take part in these events.

For the Swedish-speaking minority of about six percent, one of the high points of the period is December 13, Lucia Day, honouring the Italian St Lucy, who is seen as a symbol of light in the darkness. The day falls just nine days before the darkest day of the year. The Winter Solstice falls on December 22 this year.

About eight out of 10 Finns are registered Lutherans. Just over one percent belong to the other state-supported faith, the Greek Orthodox Church.

Meanwhile others celebrate the weeks ahead of Christmas in a decidedly more secular manner. "Little Christmas" parties organised by workplaces, clubs and other groups have a reputation for heavy drinking and loosened inhibitions.

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