Advent, which comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning coming or arrival, is a period of preparation for the feast of the Nativity of Our Lord. This year, the season of Advent begins on November 29. The first Sunday of Advent also marks the beginning of the liturgical and ecclesiastical year.
The liturgical color of the season is purple. All Catholic churches make use of Advent wreaths during this season, with one candle representing each of the four Sundays of Advent.