What is Advent? And what traditions do people follow worldwide?

Wreaths, candles and calendars. These are sure signs of Advent for many Christian groups around the world. But what is Advent exactly?

The word Advent derives from the Latin adventus, which means an arrival or visit. Advent is the beginning of the spiritual year for these churches, and it's observed the four Sundays before Christmas Day.

Spiritually, it's meant as a celebration of the Earthly birth of Jesus around 2,000 years ago but also a preparation and anticipation for the second coming of Christ.

In 2023, Advent starts Sunday, December 3. Each Sunday has a different spiritual theme and often involves the ceremonial lighting of an Advent candle.

As with many aspects of any religion, Advent customs and practices vary from place to place.

Here are some Advent and general Christmas traditions in various countries around the world. We're also including possible houses of worship to visit if you happen to be in the vicinity.

Austria is the birthplace of one of the most beloved Christmas hymns, "Silent Night." The hymn is called "Stille Nacht" in German (the native language of Austrians), and it was penned during the Christmas of 1818, according to the website German-way.