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December 15, 2009
Advent thoughts, part 1
I've been thinking about this whole advent candle burning dilemma - how many days in a candle, how long is a candleday and whether or not to do other things while the flame is on and so on.
Perhaps this tradition is a bit of a relic of a bygone era (aren't most traditions?), when people actually sat to meals together as a family, at a table, and a candle would be lit; remember that? As such, a custom not very relevant to our present-day habit of eating out of cardboard boxes on our knees, each to his own (and on his own) , at different times but always in front of a TV screen.
At least I hear that's how it's done in modern Britain, but - having acquired neither a family of my own nor a TV set - I have no way of finding out nor a desire to pass judgement.
But I digress. And before I swiftly move on to my main subject - the meaning of Advent in Catholic culture (yes, Catholicism is a kind of culture, like Judaism, that goes beyond mere religion), this is a time to remind myself how I laughed, and laughed, and then laughed some more when some Conservative MP was praising X-Factor for promoting family values (Family Values!) and bringing communities together. Phleeeese!
The Advent, the virgin birth, the carp -it's all coming next (spotted the pun?).
For now, these two thoughts:
1. Since fire is focus in Latin, this should give us a clue as to whether it's better to stay with the candle or make a shopping list, wash the dishes etc. while waiting..
2. Dostoyevsky believed that if Jesus Christ were ever to make a Second Coming and return to Earth, we would crucify him all over again.
How terribly sad but probably true...
Posted by Marzena at December 15, 2009 09:06 PM