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exp

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had a nice day

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Certificate of Appreciation from House of Bread

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Certificate of Appreciation from House of Bread

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Please see the certificate above from the House of Bread thanking you for your donations, and the email below

Hi,

our director Will has asked me to write to you to say thank you very much for the wonderful items that you donated to the House pf Bread.  They are much appreciated.  I have attached a certificate of appreciation that you might like to display on your notice board.

I'd like to wish you and all your colleagues and attendees a very Happy New Year for 2025.

best wishes,

Judy Palmer

Administrator House of Bread.

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I used floristry wire and my bow-making skills to do another wreath for inside.

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I used floristry wire and my bow-making skills to do another wreath for inside.

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Completed Gorgeous Gonks, all with characters of their own.

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Putting the Gonks together

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Beautiful ladder tree by Sophie

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Fab video showing lots of different ways of making Gonks

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Macrame Gnome Ornament DIY Tutorial (3 Different Ways!)

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What I have Learnt:           Photographs and feedback

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What I have Learnt:           Photographs and feedback

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Please share your photos, top tips, ideas, feedback with us. If you have any difficulty uploading your work please just get in touch with me - Brad Parkes, 07772 273033 or email carolparkes@chaseaquaruralenterprise.com

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Another suggestion was SANDS here is the link to the web site

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Sands - Saving babies' lives. Supporting bereaved families.

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Sands | Saving babies' lives. Supporting bereaved families.

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Sands works to support anyone affected by the death of a baby; improve the care bereaved parents receive; and create a world where fewer babies die.

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I have also included this link to Mind. This is a charity which CARE supports. Every year Carol does some type of challenge to raise money for Mind. Mind provides support and guidance to local people with Mental Health. This could be a consideration.

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We’re Mind, the mental health charity | Mind

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We're Mind, the mental health charity. We're here to make sure no one has to face a mental health problem alone.

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Here is the link to another local community charity we have discussed this week. Have a look and we can discuss next week if this is a cause we would like to support

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Staffordshire Women’s Aid - Staffordshire Women’s Aid

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Together Against Domestic Violence Since 1976

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This is one of the local community charities which we have discussed this week. It is based in Stafford and provides hot meals, clean clothes and showers to homeless. Along with support and guidance to people struggling with the continuing increase in the cost of living. Please have a look and we can discuss next week.

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Our motto at House of Bread is ‘All Are Welcome’. We meet people ‘where they’re at’ and accept them for ‘who they are’.

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Hannah trying out the upload function!

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Morning everyone, welcome to this weeks session where we make a great alternative modern garland. Some great ideas in here and look forward to seeing how you get on! Ay questions please ask

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Countryside Winter Crafts - Modern Wreath

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Countryside Winter Crafts - Traditional Wreathmaking

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Morning everyone, welcome to the session where we have the opportunity to create traditional wreaths!

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Countryside Winter Crafts - Traditional Wreath

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Learning at Home: How to tie ribbon bows - tutorial

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Learning at Home: How to tie ribbon bows - tutorial

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How to Make a Bow for a Wreath | Made by Me | Better Homes & Gardens

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Create you own personalised Ladder Christmas Tree

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Create you own personalised Ladder Christmas Tree

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A fantastic activity to share with family and friends. Forrage for sticks and foliage, upcycle Christmas bling, add sensory organges and cinamon sticks, share time together.

Some great links to introduce you to Christmas trees and why they are so important to us at this time of year.

The history of Christmas Trees: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_tree

Christmas culture around the world:

https://www.momondo.com/discover/christmas-traditions-around-the-world

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Countryside Winter Crafts - Laddder Xmas Tree & Gonks

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Session 3 - Xmas  Ladder Tree's & Gonks 

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Session 3 - Xmas  Ladder Tree's & Gonks 

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Welcome to session 3 where we move onto rustic ladder tree hanging decorations and in session 4 we create gonks! Fabulous festive fun with colour tradition steeped in history all around the world.

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Countryside Winter Crafts - Stick Xmas Tree & Gonk

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Oh Christmas Tree Oh Christmas Tree - what magic you bring to our forests and homes

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Oh Christmas Tree Oh Christmas Tree - what magic you bring to our forests and homes

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Some fabulous wellbeing facts to shout out about!

Read what the newspapers have to say about wellbeing and our Christmas Tree:

https://metro.co.uk/2021/11/15/the-surprising-wellbeing-benefits-of-having-a-real-christmas-tree-15603276/

A few more links too - Forest bathing is well worth a look.

https://www.forestryengland.uk/blog/forest-bathing

https://www.forestryengland.uk/wellbeing-journal

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Every year we're faced with the decision of whether to buy a traditional, fresh, real Christmas tree or one manufactured from plastic and metal on the other side of the world. Numerous articles, websites and newspapers have commentated on the pros and cons of each, but the reliability of information can sometimes be patchy at best.

As a Christmas tree grower in Staffordshire just outside the beautiful Peak District we thought we'd set the record straight by covering the key factors to consider when making the choice. We hope this will help you to conclude that the best and most natural choice has and will always be a real tree at Christmas.

Appearance and Fragrance

Real Christmas trees look natural and continue the Christmas tradition that has been running since pagan times. In contrast, artificial trees can look phoney and synthetic and if may be accused of being a bit pathetic if you get the price point wrong.

The traditional coniferous Christmas tree fragrance of a real tree can't be matched by anything artificial. Over the years, the Christmas tree has come to symbolise the faith and hope of harmony among all mankind. This spirit is real and a real Christmas tree, when brought inside our homes, projects this feeling through its pleasant scent and natural warm beauty.

Safety

Artificial trees are made with harmful chemicals such as metal and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC is a non-biodegradable, petroleum-based plastic which produces carcinogens like dioxin, ethylene dichloride and vinyl chloride in the manufacturing process.

PVC continues to gradually release dioxins over time. These are the most toxic man-made chemical known. When they're released into the air or water, they're stored in our fatty tissue, making them the leading cause of cancer, as well as neurological damage and other serious health issues. It's no surprise that PVC has been boycotted by environmental and health groups.

Lead is used in the process of making PVC plastic. Older trees have often been found to contain unsafe lead levels and newer artificial trees can still sport lead levels that are a legitimate concern. Lead exposure can wreak havoc with the nervous system, kidneys and other key organs. Naturally, all health authorities encouraging families to give their children a lead-free environment. Young children of under 6 years are most at risk because they tend to put their hands, which may be contaminated with lead dust, into their mouths and have more fragile immune systems. We think this alone is a good enough reason to pass over an artificial tree in favour of a real one.

Artificial Christmas trees, especially cheap ones, have been shown to be very flammable and burn to produce fumes that are extremely harmful to you and your family. Several tests have been done in the past with scary outcomes. Fake trees flame up like they're doused in petrol, which should not be too surprising given PVC is made from a petroleum-based product.

Christmas tree environmental benefits Cost and Space
Economic Factors

Real Christmas trees support farmers in putting land to use that would otherwise lie fallow. In fact, Christmas trees are able to grow on soils unable to support fussier crops. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, jobs associated with Christmas tree growing and harvesting employ 100,000 worldwide each year.

Artificial trees manufactured abroad then flown to the UK have an inordinate carbon footprint and support far-flung economies rather than our own with no advantage to the home economy. Working conditions in China where most artificial trees are produced remain poor.

Overcoming the Drawbacks of Real Christmas trees Dropped Needles

To minimise the number of needles that fall from your tree that require tidying up, choose a low needle drop Nordmann Fir and install your tree in the home no earlier than the first weekend in December. Following the tips in our Christmas tree care advice article such as keeping your tree away from radiators and open fires and refilling the water in your Christmas tree stand regularly should mean clearing of needles becomes a quick and painless process required no more than once or twice a week.
Real Christmas tree Importers

Some garden centres just buy-in their Christmas trees rather than growing their own, sometimes transporting them in from hundreds of miles away, which can call into question the benefits of the economic footprint of a real tree. In reality, artificial trees are almost always imported in from countries such as China; its unheard of for real trees to be imported from that far afield. We grow and harvest our own Christmas trees before selling them fresh on our Staffordshire garden centre and on our website, so you have nothing to worry about!

For some people going out to buy a tree and bringing it back into the home can be a burden, especially if the weather is cold and roads icy. If you're comfy in your armchair by the fire at home and don't fancy braving the freezing temperatures outdoors, ordering your Christmas tree online for delivery to anywhere in the UK on a date of your choosing is worth considering.

At Jackson's Nurseries we have an excellent range of trees including the low needle drop Nordmann Fir, traditional Norway Spruce, Serbian Spruce and table-top Alberto White Spruce. We are more than happy for you to put specific requirements (e.g. bushy or broad base) in the notes to your order so we can pick the perfect tree for you. We put together a guide on different types of real Christmas trees to help you choose.

Having a Christmas tree in the home can be uncomfortable for people suffering from tree-related allergies. These are quite rare but are a key consideration particularly for those sensitive to the tiny dust spores that can be found in branches and foliage. In reality, an artificial tree is just as liable to gather dust as a real one, so there's not much difference there. Other Christmas-tree related allergies requiring consideration are tree sap, pollen (scattered in the air over autumn) and terpenes which is the compound that gives pine trees their distinctive coniferous scent.

Recycling your real Christmas tree

If this is not an option, or if you have a cut tree, they can sometimes be disposed of as garden waste, but check with your local council. Some areas may also have tree collection programmes, but these are reasonably limited.

If you have space in your garden, leave your tree there until March/April when it can be chipped into garden mulch. Another option is to dispose of your tree in a large pond or lake, where it will provide a wealth of hiding places for fish and water creatures - but ask permission first.

Alternatively, prop up your Christmas tree near a bird feeder as a hiding place and playground for small birds such as finches and robins. If you string your tree with slices of cranberry, orange, bread and other types of bird-friendly treats it will make a great haven and feeding ground for birds.

You can even use the needle-like foliage to stuff small, fragrance pillows to freshen drawers and closets around the home. Just sew scraps of fabric into a ball and fill them with needles from your Christmas tree.

Avoid burning any part of your Christmas tree in a wood stove or open fireplace as the needles and bark have a tendancy to spit out of the fireplace onto the floor.

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Benefits of a real Christmas tree versus an artificial tree

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Whether to choose a real or artificial tree at Christmas seems like an age-old debate. We set out the key factors to consider and pros and cons of each to help you make the choice. We hope this helps you conclude a real tree will always be the best choice

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Learn how to tie a simple hand crafted bow

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Learn how to tie a simple hand crafted bow

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This is such a great skills to practice, and practice as you will be suprised just how many times it will come in handy with your crafting projects.

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How to Tie A Ribbon Bow | Craft Techniques

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Some fabulous links to explore this week

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Some fabulous links to explore this week

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Links:

https://www.inspirationswholesale.co.uk/blog/christmas/what-are-gonks-where-are-they-from

https://www.goodhomesmagazine.com/inspiration/gonk/

Create a no-sew gonk:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxnZEXNGt68

Learn how to tie a small crafting bow:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giuVRMm2ygI

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Pomanders and lollipop Christmas Tree tutorial 

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Pomanders and lollipop Christmas Tree tutorial 

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Here is the pomander tutorial I promised you. It was originally filmed for another course, but still a fantastic tutorial. I cant wait to see all your creations. Jeanette

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Christmas Countryside Creative Crafts - Orange Pomanders & Lollipop Christmas Trees

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Manage your own mental wellbeing with new wellbeing hub

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Manage your own mental wellbeing with new wellbeing hub

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Beat the cold - some links you may find useful

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Beat the cold - some links you may find useful

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Beat the Cold provides energy advice and guidance to address fuel poverty (https://www.beatcold.org.uk/).

Support with Cost of Living Resources: https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Community/Cost-of-living-support/Here-to-help.aspx

Hypothermia Advice: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hypothermia/

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This article explains what green food is and how you can adapt to eat more green foods.

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What does a green diet look like? | BBC Good Food

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Green eating isn’t the latest fad diet where you’re restricted to green fruit and vegetables, but a way of eating that’s better for you and the environment.

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Thought about volunteering?  Here's a great place to start

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Thought about volunteering?  Here's a great place to start

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Hello and welcome to the Staffordshire Community Learning Volunteering of Community Practice webpage.

This webpage has been designed to support volunteers across the county of Staffordshire providing a space where information can be accessed about volunteering opportunities, training links, information to support volunteers and share best practice. In addition there is also a space for you to post any questions related to volunteering via the volunteer forum.
What does the term volunteer mean?
A person who willingly help's others without being paid for their time and contributions.
What are the benefits of volunteering?
Anyone can volunteer. It can be very rewarding and is a great way to:

meet new people.

gain new or use existing skills.

get valuable experience.

make a big difference to your community.

Volunteering also develops many key personal or employability skills for the individual, helping them to progress in work and life. Being part of a community volunteers can increase self-confidence by interacting with others and having a sense of purpose. Volunteering opportunities may also be set in placements that match the individual's employment aspirations and so provides a great opportunity to build up valuable work-related experience before applying for full or part time paid roles.
What can I expect when becoming a volunteer?
Organisations such as charities really value the work done by volunteers and will ensure your time is fully supported and make it the best possible experience.

Training will be provided for you to carry out the role. This may include specific training to meet regulations or standards such as Health & Safety, First Aid, or manual handling. Other training may include things such as induction to the venue and facilities, attending team meetings or shadowing other staff members.

As a non-paid member of staff the organisation values your time and will do their best to accommodate your availability to attend.

Hello and welcome to the Staffordshire Community Learning Volunteering of Community Practice webpage.

This webpage has been designed to support volunteers across the county of Staffordshire providing a space where information can be accessed about volunteering opportunities, training links, information to support volunteers and share best practice. In addition there is also a space for you to post any questions related to volunteering via the volunteer forum.
What does the term volunteer mean?
A person who willingly help's others without being paid for their time and contributions.
What are the benefits of volunteering?
Anyone can volunteer. It can be very rewarding and is a great way to:

meet new people.

gain new or use existing skills.

get valuable experience.

make a big difference to your community.

Volunteering also develops many key personal or employability skills for the individual, helping them to progress in work and life. Being part of a community volunteers can increase self-confidence by interacting with others and having a sense of purpose. Volunteering opportunities may also be set in placements that match the individual's employment aspirations and so provides a great opportunity to build up valuable work-related experience before applying for full or part time paid roles.
What can I expect when becoming a volunteer?
Organisations such as charities really value the work done by volunteers and will ensure your time is fully supported and make it the best possible experience.

Training will be provided for you to carry out the role. This may include specific training to meet regulations or standards such as Health & Safety, First Aid, or manual handling. Other training may include things such as induction to the venue and facilities, attending team meetings or shadowing other staff members.

As a non-paid member of staff the organisation values your time and will do their best to accommodate your availability to attend.

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Hello and welcome to the Staffordshire Community Learning Volunteering of Community Practice webpage. This webpage has been designed to support volunteers across the county of Staffordshire providing a space where information can be accessed about volunteering

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New Roadmap for children's mental health support in Staffordshire

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New Roadmap for children's mental health support in Staffordshire

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Wrapping Paper

Hi everyone, here we look at wrapping paper and some creative ideas for presenting your gifts this christmas.

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Countryside Winter Crafts - Wrapping Paper

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Add to your wrapping paper by creating some lovely festive bags and tags too. Practice your skills and add some upcycled resources of your own to add that special personal touch.

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https://www.pinterest.co.uk/freepapercraft/paper-gift-ideas/

https://www.etsy.com/uk/market/rustic_gift_wrap

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Wreaths.co.uk Promotes Mindfulness Through Wreath Making for Enhanced Mental Wellbeing

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Experts in wreath making are advocating for individuals to engage in this creative activity as a means to alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression. Wreath m

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Christmas culture from around the world.

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Christmas culture from around the world.

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Wellbeing:  Create a warm welcome during the festive season. Christmas traditions from around the world that help us:  https://www.whychristmas.com/customs/

Christmas culture around the world:

https://www.momondo.com/discover/christmas-traditions-around-the-world

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The top 11 Christmas traditions around the world - momomdo Discover

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Our favourite Christmas traditions around the world are wonderful – sometimes wonderfully weird – and are guaranteed to put you in the festive spirit

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Welcome to week 1 of your course where we look at making our own crackers! Something really different and a great personal touch this Christmas. You can add personal messages, wellbeing tips, jokes, hats and personal gifts of your choice too.

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How can we help?

We know everybody's different, but choose the statement that best describes you or your situation and we'll suggest some relevant topics.

Still not sure where to start?

Don't worry. We're here to help guide you to the information you need. Use the links below and we'll point you in the right direction.

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Volunteering can help improve your self-esteem and emotional health

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Volunteering can help improve your self-esteem and emotional health

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Explore your creativity with classes in illustration, photography, design, and more.

No Commitments. Cancel Anytime.

You're in the driver's seat. Join millions of students crafting a unique learning experience to help them get where they want to go.

Learn with Emily Henderson, Kelis, Marques Brownlee, Jessica Kobeissi, and thousands of acclaimed creators eager to share their knowledge with you.

Unlock a passion, side hustle, or new professional skill with thousands of classes in design, business, and more.

© Skillshare, Inc. 2020. All rights reserved.

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Explore your creativity with classes in illustration, photography, design, and more. No Commitments. Cancel Anytime. You're in the driver's seat. Join millions of students crafting a unique learning experience to help them get where they want to go. Learn with Emily Henderson, Kelis, Marques Brownlee, Jessica Kobeissi, and thousands of acclaimed creators eager to share their knowledge with you.

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Congratulations on completing your course!

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Congratulations on completing your course!

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Your Progess and achievements, long term goals and personal outcomes

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Your Progess and achievements, long term goals and personal outcomes

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Please reflect on how this course has helped you to achieve your personal outcomes and work towards your long term goals.

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The Skills Toolkit from Department for Education  provides access to free, high-quality courses to help build up your skills in digital and numeracy. Find out more: gov.uk/theskillstoolkit #TheSkillsToolkit

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wreath

https://www.google.com/search?q=pinterest+wreath+making+ideas

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What I have Learnt:           Photographs and feedback

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What I have Learnt:           Photographs and feedback

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Please share your photos, top tips, ideas, feedback with us. If you have any difficulty uploading your work please just get in touch with me - Brad Parkes, 07772 273033 or email carolparkes@chaseaquaruralenterprise.com

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A really useful link especially during the run up to Christmas.

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A really useful link especially during the run up to Christmas.

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Things to do, health, mental health & wellbeing, care homes & supported accomodations, information & advice, keeping safe, transport, help with caring for someone, money/benefits & housing, help at home.

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Cost of Living Support - Live better and love later life

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What support is available to you or a loved one during the cost of living crisis?

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Please take a look at our group agreement, we want everyone to feel safe, supported and included.  We want everyone to achieve as much as possible by taking part.

To approve and to leave any suggestions please use the space below.

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What I have Learnt:           Photographs and feedback

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What I have Learnt:           Photographs and feedback

# data[].attributes.body
Please share your photos, top tips, ideas, feedback with us. If you have any difficulty uploading your work please just get in touch with me - Brad Parkes, 07772 273033 or email carolparkes@chaseaquaruralenterprise.com

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Thank you for enrolling on your course, I really hope that you enjoy learning some new creative festive craft and floristry skills. We hope that you will continue to develop and enjoy your new skills once the course finishes.

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Please see the link for information about current local vacancies that might be of interest to you.

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With pride. With purpose. With you.

We are no ordinary county council. We have a real sense of community spirit that brings our people together. This feeling of belonging means we are all connected to what we do and take pride in the difference we make every day for Staffordshire people. We are ambitious and our sights are set firmly on a better future. We look forward and race ahead - that goes for your career too.

You will work in an empowering environment and be encouraged to bring your creativity and skills to help us continuously improve. You will enjoy the freedom to grow in a team that supports you and your ambitions. A teams that supports you to develop at your pace, in your own way. This is a place where you can thrive. And one we are proud to keep improving.

A message to potential applicants from Chief Executive Officer of Staffordshire County Council, John Henderson.

Read video transcript (52 KB)

View our current vacancies

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Jobs and Careers at Staffordshire Council

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With pride. With purpose. With you. We are no ordinary county council. We have a real sense of community spirit that brings our people together. This feeling of belonging means we are all connected to what we do and take pride in the difference we make every day for Staffordshire people.

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Useful Learner Information -  British Values, Protect yourself, Feeling and Staying Safe:

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Useful Learner Information -  British Values, Protect yourself, Feeling and Staying Safe:

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https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Education/Community-learning-service/ProviderInfo/Safeguarding-and-Prevent-duty-overview.aspx

Using the internet safely and protectiing personal information:
https://www.deliveringforscotland.gov.uk/at-home/internet-safety/

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Safeguarding information for learners from Staffordshire Community Learning / county council

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Safeguarding information for learners from Staffordshire Community Learning / county council

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Safeguarding and Prevent duty: overview - Staffordshire County Council

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Information, guidance and documents on Safeguarding and the Prevent Duty.

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Mental Wellbeing - Little Things can Make a Difference

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Mental Wellbeing - Little Things can Make a Difference

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If you are feeling stressed, anxious, low or can’t sleep, Every Mind Matters can help with expert advice, practical tips and personalised actions to help you.

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https://www.getsafeonline.org/

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From the Blog

Blog

Who are you really talking to online?

The internet is a fantastic innovation that has, in many ways, made life more convenient, given us more choice, brought enrichment and for many, made...

Our Partners & Supporters

Our Mission

Our Mission

Get Safe Online is the UK's leading source of unbiased, factual and easy-to-understand information on online safety.

Our website is a unique resource providing practical advice on how to protect yourself, your computers and mobile devices and your business against fraud, identity theft, viruses and many other problems encountered online. It contains guidance on many other related subjects too - including performing backups and how to avoid theft or loss of your computer, smartphone or tablet.
Read more about who we are

Get Safe Online around the world

Get Safe Online has a presence in 24 countries around the world. Each country benefits from its own Get Safe Online website, customised to deliver the best and most relevant experience for individuals and businesses. Many of the countries also have a community of Get Safe Online Ambassadors and Advocates working on our behalf.
Read more about our International Sites

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Get Safe Online | The UK's leading Online Safety Advice Resource

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The UK's leading online safety advice resource. Providing free, impartial internet safety advice to help keep you and your family safe online.

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Support with your English for speakers of other languages

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Support with your English for speakers of other languages

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English for speakers of other languages | Staffordshire Community Learning

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Staffordshire county council subsidises the costs for adult and community learning, making most courses either heavily discounted or available at no cost to you

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More online safety including advice for parents

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More online safety including advice for parents

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Welcome to the UK Safer Internet Centre, where you can find online safety tips, advice and resources to help children and young people stay safe online.

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Colour can have an huge impact on our day to day wellbeing, and an appreciation of how different cultures around the world celebrate colour helps us to remember just what a powerful tool for wellbeing it is.

Do you have any favourite colours that make brighten your day or are linked to favourite happy memories? Why not share them by leaving a comment below.

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Color symbolism in art, literature, and anthropology refers to the use of color as a symbol in various cultures and in storytelling. There is great diversity in the use of colors and their associations between cultures and even within the same culture in different time periods. The same color may have very different associations within the same culture at any time. Diversity in color symbolism occurs because color meanings and symbolism occur on an individual, cultural and universal basis. Color symbolism is also context-dependent and influenced by changes over time. Symbolic representations of religious concepts or articles may include a specific color with which the concept or object is associated.

Red is a primary color across all models of color space. It is the color of blood. It is often associated with love, passion, and lust but also danger and aggression. It is frequently used in relation to Valentine's Day. It can also be used to signify danger or warning but it is also associated with importance. For instance, it is used for stop signs and fire engines. In China, red is often used to symbolize good luck or happiness, and is used for many holidays or weddings. It also represents communism.

Blue is a primary color across all models of color space. It is the color of the ocean and the sky; it often symbolizes serenity, stability, inspiration, or wisdom. It can be a calming color, and symbolize reliability. In the Catholic Church, the Virgin Mary is most often depicted wearing blue, to symbolize being "full of grace" by divine favor. Blue is widely used for baby boys' clothes or bedrooms, although the reason blue is so strongly associated with boys is debated. Blue can also represent sadness and depression ("they have the blues").

Yellow is a primary color in many models of color space, and a secondary in all others. It is a color often associated with sunshine or joy. It is sometimes used in association with cowardice or fear, i.e., the phrase "yellow-bellied". Children tend to like this color, and it is used to market products to children; it is also used for school buses and taxi cabs since it is such a bright, noticeable color.

Green is a primary color in many models of color space, and a secondary in all others. It is most often used to represent nature, healing, health, youth, or fertility, since it is such a dominant color in nature. It can be a very relaxing color but is also used in the US to symbolize money, greed, sickness or jealousy. Saying that someone is "green" means they are inexperienced or new.

Orange is a secondary color across many models of color space. It is often associated with amusement, extroversion, fire, energy, activity, taste and aroma. It is the color most closely associated with autumn. It is one of the most attention-grabbing colors in human vision, and is often used to attract the eye (traffic cones, safety vests, etc.).

Black is a primary color across all models of color space. In Western culture, it is considered a negative color and usually symbolizes death, grief, or evil but also depression. People often wear black for mourning, although this practice is not as widespread as it was in the past.

White is a primary color across all models of color space. It most often symbolizes perfection, faith, innocence, softness, and cleanliness. Brides often wear white dresses to symbolize purity.

Pink is a prominent secondary or tertiary color in many color space models. It is associated with softness, sweetness, love, and immaturity. There is an urban legend that pink was a masculine color before the mid 20th century,[citation needed ] based on evidence of conflicting traditions before about 1940. Del Guicide (2012) argues that pink-blue gender coding has been broadly consistent in the UK and the US since it appeared around 1890.

Color plays an important role in setting expectations for a product and communicating its key characteristics. Color is the second most important element that allows consumers to identify brand packaging.

Marketers for products with an international market navigate the color symbolism variances between cultures with targeted advertising. Car manufacturer Volkswagen ran a commercial in Italy with a black sheep in the middle of a larger flock symbolizing those who owned a VW Golf as unique and self-assured among a crowd of others who were not. In several cultures around the world, a black sheep represents an outcast and is seen as something undesirable, while in Italy, a black sheep represents confidence and independence.[citation needed ]

A flock of black and white sheep grazing in the Italian countryside

There are many additional variances in color symbolism between cultures. Cold is symbolized by blue in East Asia, the US, and Sweden while warmth is symbolized by yellow in the US and by blue in The Netherlands. Sometimes the meanings of colors are in stark opposition across geographic boundaries, requiring products marketed to specific demographics to account for those changes across different markets. For instance, feminity is symbolized by blue in The Netherlands and pink in the US, whereas masculinity is symbolized by blue in Sweden and the US, and red in the UK and France. In some instances color symbolism in marketing is constructed. The sales volume of a company whose product is defined by the name of its color is susceptible to the symbolism and association of that name - in one example, a company selling a paint color named "off white" more than doubled its sales simply by renaming the same color "ancient silk".

A Catholic archbishop and cardinal in choir dress. Bishops traditionally wear purple, cardinals red.

A group of young Buddhist monks in Cambodia. Orange, symbolizing enlightenment, is an important color in Buddhism.

Color symbolism has changed over time. Between the 5th and 17th centuries, the color was largely related to a religious context. Blue was symbolic of heaven and white of purity. Today, purity is still symbolized by white in Australia and the USA but by blue in other countries like India. Similarly, the church influenced the perception of colors like crimson and purple. Largely because the dyes for these colors could only be sourced from precious pigments, religious figures like Madonna, Cardinals and the Virgin were seen in scarlet and purple. Today, purple symbolizes evil and infidelity in Japan, but the same is symbolized by blue in East Asia and by yellow in France. Additionally, the sacred color of Hindu and Buddhist monks is orange. The Renaissance was also a time in which black and purple were colors of mourning. Today, Mourning or death is symbolized by white in East Asia, black in the US, and blue in Iran, while happiness is symbolized by white in Australia and NZ, and yellow in China.

There is a general disagreement over whether reactions to color and their symbolism are a result of cultural conditioning or of instinct. Several studies concluded that color is part of the social learning process because of the significant symbolism within the culture. High quality, trustworthiness, and dependability are symbolized by blue in the US, Japan, Korea and green and yellow in China - as well as purple in China, South Korea, and Japan. Because of these variances, critical cues vary across cultures. Warning signs are coded differently as a danger is symbolized by green in Malaysia and red in the US and Mexico. The same color of green symbolizes envy in Belgium and the US, but envy is symbolized by yellow in Germany and Russia, and purple in Mexico. Even the colors that denote powerful emotions vary. Love is symbolized by green in Japan, red and purple in China, Korea, Japan, and the USA. Unluckiness is symbolized by red in Chad, Nigeria, and Germany. Luckiness is symbolized by red in China, Denmark, and Argentina. The traditional bridal color is red in China and white in the USA. Ambition and desire are symbolized by red in India.

One example in which different conceptualizations of color may lead to confusion is the coloring of upward or downward trends in financial markets; whereas in most of the world green or blue is used to denote an upward trend and red is used to denote a downward trend, in mainland China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, the reverse is true. This confusion often leads to Western media outlets using incorrect or reversed headline images to accompany reports of a major economic upturn or downturn in an Asian market.

This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it.

Prior to its being widely studied in a scientific context, color symbolism was theorized upon by curious individuals in other humanities. These early theoreticians include German polymath Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (in his Theory of Colours) and Russian abstract artist Wassily Kandinsky (in his Concerning the Spiritual in Art, among others). Although color treatises such as these are often unscientific (Kandinsky, for instance, was heavily influenced by Theosophy), they occasionally find resonance with artists, philosophers and others working in " softer" subjects.

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Color symbolism in art, literature, and anthropology refers to the use of color as a symbol in various cultures and in storytelling. There is great diversity in the use of colors and their associations between cultures and even within the same culture in different time periods.

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Please can I ask you to follow the link and complete the individual learning plan- its a great opportunity to remind yourself and us why you are choosing to take part in the course, and what you would like to achieve from it.

As tutors it helps to inform us so that we can build all learner needs and aspirations into our course. If we can support you with any specific needs whilst you are on the course please let us know too.  Best wishes. Carol

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Staying safe online - tips for older people | Age UK

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Online scams are becoming increasingly common. These include viruses which can damage your computer and online scams. Read our guide to staying safe online.

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Here is the link to enrol for this course.  Please use the following information:

Course Code: CFPCARE04

Course Name:  Four Seasons Countryside Festive Crafts: support your wellbeing and your community

Provider:  Chase Aqua Rural Enterprise CIC

Dates: 4th November - 9th December 2024

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5 Minutes to Relax: Calming Stream * Relaxing Water Sounds * Flowing Water Short Video

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You need some relaxation, but only have 5 minutes? Enjoy these relaxing water sounds with the flowing water short video. This calming stream is perfect for 5 minutes to relax. The relaxing nature video with the calming water sounds is recommended for stress relief, healing, sleeping and much more.

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Now that you have successfully completed your course why not take another step and try one of the other learning courses available with Staffordshire Community Learning.  Please follow the link for details.

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Staffordshire Community Learning - Staffordshire Adult and Community Learning

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This is the official website for Staffordshire County Council's Adult Community Learning service.

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The Five Ways to Wellbeing has been a very important corner stone for this course and you may remember we started by taking a look at where you felt you were on the WEMWBS scale. It would be really good if you could pause again now and complete WEMWBS again to see what impact taking part in the course has had on your wellbeing.  If there is anything that we can help to support you with on-going as a result please let me know.  Link to the form is here:

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The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS)

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This is a very brief questionnaire that is meant to help you measure your own mental well-being. (c) NHS Health Scotland, University of Warwick and University of Edinburgh, 2006, all rights reserved. Used under licence to Chase Aqua Rural Enterprise CIC. Link to find out more information here: htt…

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What I have Learnt:           Photographs and feedback

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What I have Learnt:           Photographs and feedback

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Please share your photos, top tips, ideas, feedback with us. If you have any difficulty uploading your work please just get in touch with me - Brad Parkes, 07772 273033 or email carolparkes@chaseaquaruralenterprise.com

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A great series following Robson Green around the countryside, might inspire you to get outside and explore a few places :-)

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Robson shares ideas on how to make the most of the weekends by getting into the outdoors.

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What I have Learnt:           Photographs and feedback

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What I have Learnt:           Photographs and feedback

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Please share your photos, top tips, ideas, feedback with us. If you have any difficulty uploading your work please just get in touch with me - Brad Parkes, 07772 273033 or email carolparkes@chaseaquaruralenterprise.com

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Links to English, Maths and IT support here

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Links to English, Maths and IT support here

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Numeracy and Digital Skills - The government have launched The Skills Toolkit, a collection of free online courses for adults to access whilst at home, to help you build new skills and boost growth and productivity.

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One in three people have used online learning to help them get a better job. On average, online learning can boost your annual pay by £3,640 too [ 1]

94% of employees would stay at a company longer if it invested in their career development [ 5].

Help boost team productivity and motivation by upskilling your employees with free, high-quality digital, numeracy and soft skills courses. All courses on The Skills Toolkit are free and available online, so your teams can learn flexibly from home at a time that suits them.
Explore courses

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Learn a new skill at home. Find free, high quality digital courses in The Skills Toolkit.

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Positive wellbeing will influence many aspects of our lives, as well as being an  important employability characteristic. Please take a look and if you would like complete and return the wellbeing survey form below please do so. You can repeat this again later in the course too and reflect on the impact taking part in this course has had on your well-being.  Thank you.

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The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS)

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This is a very brief questionnaire that is meant to help you measure your own mental well-being. (c) NHS Health Scotland, University of Warwick and University of Edinburgh, 2006, all rights reserved. Used under licence to Chase Aqua Rural Enterprise CIC. Link to find out more information here: htt…

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On-line learning at home - Staying Safe, Tips and Guidance for Safety in the Home

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On-line learning at home - Staying Safe, Tips and Guidance for Safety in the Home

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Did you know faulty electrics such as overloaded sockets and faulty electrical appliances cause around 7,000 house fires across the country every year?

General Advice

When using electronic devices always use the official charger and don't be tempted to use cheap counterfeit replicas instead.

Ensure that you replace all damaged cables and chargers.

Make sure all electrical appliances have a British or European safety mark when you buy them.

Don't overload your sockets - keep one appliance to one plug where possible and use the socket overload calculator to reduce the risk of fire.

Unplug appliances when you are going to bed or not using them.

High powered appliances such as washing machines should have a single plug socket.

Never use square box plug adapters, and if using a strip adapter/extension make sure it's fused and don't overload it.

If using a cable drum extension lead, it should be completely unwound to avoid overheating.

Never put anything metallic in the microwave.

Do not leave your washing machine on overnight or when you go out.

Clean the filter on your tumble dryer regularly and remove fluff.

Clean behind the fridge and freezer in order to avoid the blocking of air vents.

Don't leave electric blankets folded when storing them over summer months as this damages the internal wiring - store them flat or rolled up.

If your electric blanket isn't thermostat controlled, unplug the blanket before you get into bed.

Don't buy second-hand blankets - check your blanket regularly for wear and tear.

If your blanket is over 10 years old, replace it and dispose of the old one at your nearest recycling centre.

Socket Overload Calculator

Are you overloading your sockets?

Overloaded sockets can easily cause fires, which could be easily prevented. Use the socket overload calculator to plug in some typical household appliances to see the effect on the load, and to get useful tips on how to avoid overloading your sockets.

Register your electrical appliances for a safer home

Only 36% of consumers register all of their large domestic appliances.

The register my appliance website is designed to make it quicker and easier for the public to register all of their appliances. It provides up-to-date, accurate, contact information for owners who have acquired specific models of appliances within the last twelve years, so manufacturers can issue safety updates or repair notifications to the right homes. The website provides access to the registration pages of over 40 leading brands of domestic appliances, including most of the UK's top-selling brands of major white goods.

Other electrical items should be registered with the manufacturer when you purchase them. They can be checked for recalls and registered using the Electrical Safety First website.

The site above also gives advice on what to do if you get a recall notification.

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Did you know faulty electrics such as overloaded sockets and faulty electrical appliances cause around 7,000 house fires across the country every year? When using electronic devices always use the official charger and don't be tempted to use cheap counterfeit replicas instead. Ensure that you replace all damaged cables and chargers.

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Introduction to your course and your learning Padlet and/or Facebook group

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Introduction to your course and your learning Padlet and/or Facebook group

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Please read through our course aims and outcomes. We will cover all of these by the end of the course and will help you to identify and achieve your own long term aims and personal goals too. Please leave us a comment if you have any queries below.  Thank you.

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Aim and Outcomes - Four Seasons Countryside Winter Crafts

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Two great links to explore to support your wellbeing and this week's crafting activity

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Two great links to explore to support your wellbeing and this week's crafting activity

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Take time out to support your wellbeing too this busy winter season. Here's a great link to support you with this:

Christmas and mental health:  www.mind.org.uk

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Advent

Observed by
Christians

Type

Christian, cultural

Significance

Preparation for the Second Coming and commemoration of the birth of Jesus

Observances

Church services, completing an Advent calendar and Advent wreath,[1] praying through a daily devotional,[1] erecting a Chrismon tree,[1] hanging of the greens,[1] lighting a Christingle,[2] gift giving, family and other social gatherings

Begins

Fourth (or, in the Ambrosian and Mozarabic Rites, sixth) Sunday before Christmas

2022 date

27 November

2023 date

3 December

2024 date

1 December

2025 date

30 November

Frequency

Annual

Related to

Christmastide, Christmas Eve, Annunciation, Epiphany, Epiphanytide, Baptism of the Lord, Nativity Fast, Nativity of Jesus

Advent is a season observed in most Christian denominations as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of the Nativity of Christ at Christmas and the return of Christ at the Second Coming. Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year in Western Christianity. The name was adopted from Latin adventus "coming; arrival", translating Greek parousia from the New Testament, originally referring to the Second Coming.

The season of Advent in the Christian calendar anticipates the "coming of Christ" from three different perspectives: the physical nativity in Bethlehem, the reception of Christ in the heart of the believer, and the eschatological Second Coming.

Practices associated with Advent include Advent calendars, lighting an Advent wreath, praying an Advent daily devotional, erecting a Christmas tree or a Chrismon tree, lighting a Christingle, as well as other ways of preparing for Christmas, such as setting up Christmas decorations, a custom that is sometimes done liturgically through a hanging of the greens ceremony.

The analogue of Advent in Eastern Christianity is called the Nativity Fast, but it differs in meaning, length, and observances, and does not begin the liturgical church year as it does in the West. The Eastern Nativity Fast does not use the term parousia in its preparatory services.

In the Western Rite of the Orthodox Church, and in the Anglican, Lutheran, Moravian, Presbyterian, and Methodist calendars, Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas (always falling between 27 November and 3 December), and ends on Christmas Eve on 24 December.

In the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church, Advent begins with First Vespers (Evening Prayer I) of the Sunday that falls on or closest to 30 November and it ends before First Vespers (Evening Prayer I) of Christmas. The first day of Advent also begins a new liturgical year. In the Ambrosian Rite and the Mozarabic Rite of the Catholic Church, Advent begins on the sixth Sunday before Christmas, the Sunday after St. Martin's Day (11 November).

For Western Christians of the Catholic and Lutheran traditions, Advent signifies preparation for a threefold coming of Christ: firstly in the Incarnation at Bethlehem, then in a perpetual sacramental presence in the Eucharist, and thirdly at his Second Coming and final judgement.

It is not known when the period of preparation for Christmas that is now called Advent began, though it was certainly in existence from about 480; the novelty introduced by the Council of Tours of 567 was to order monks to fast every day in the month of December until Christmas. According to J. Neil Alexander, it is "impossible to claim with confidence a credible explanation of the origin of Advent".

A representation of Saint Perpetuus

Associated with Advent as a time of penitence was a period of fasting, known also as St Martin's Lent or the Nativity Fast. According to Saint Gregory of Tours the celebration of Advent began in the fifth century when the Bishop Perpetuus directed that starting with the St. Martin's Day on 11 November until Christmas, one fasts three times per week; this is why Advent was sometimes also named "Lent of St. Martin". This practice remained limited to the diocese of Tours until the sixth century.

The Council of Macon held in 581 adopted the practice in Tours. Soon all France observed three days of fasting a week from the feast of Saint Martin until Christmas. The most devout worshipers in some countries exceeded the requirements adopted by the council, and fasted every day of Advent.

The first clear references in the Western Church to Advent occur in the Gelasian Sacramentary, which provides Advent Collects, Epistles, and Gospels for the five Sundays preceding Christmas and for the corresponding Wednesdays and Fridays. The homilies of Gregory the Great in the late sixth century showed four weeks to the liturgical season of Advent, but without the observance of a fast. Under Charlemagne in the ninth century, writings claim that the fast was still widely observed.

In the thirteenth century, the fast of Advent was not commonly practised although, according to Durand of Mende, fasting was still generally observed. As quoted in the bull of canonisation of St. Louis, the zeal with which he observed this fast was no longer a custom observed by Christians of great piety. It was then limited to the period from the feast of Saint Andrew until Christmas Day, since the solemnity of this apostle was more universal than that of St. Martin.

When Pope Urban V ascended the papal seat in 1362, he imposed abstinence on the papal court but there was no mention of fasting. It was then customary in Rome to observe five weeks of Advent before Christmas. The Ambrosian Rite has six. The Greeks show no more real consistency. Advent was an optional fast that some begin on 15 November, while others begin on 6 December or only a few days before Christmas.

The liturgy of Advent remained unchanged until the Second Vatican Council introduced minor changes, differentiating the spirit of Lent from that of Advent, emphasising Advent as a season of hope for Christ's coming now as a promise of his Second Coming.

Rorate Mass in Prague Cathedral, Czech Republic

The theme of readings and teachings during Advent is often the preparation for the Second Coming and the Last Judgement. While the Sunday readings relate to the first coming of Jesus Christ as saviour as well as to his Second Coming as judge, traditions vary in the relative importance of penitence and expectation during the weeks in Advent.

Celebration of a Advent vespers. Cope and antependium are violet, the liturgical colour of Advent in the Roman Rite.

Since approximately the 13th century, the usual liturgical colour in Western Christianity for Advent has been violet; Pope Innocent III declared black to be the proper colour for Advent, though Durandus of Saint-Pourçain claims violet has preference over black. The violet or purple colour is often used for antependia, the vestments of the clergy, and often also the tabernacle. On the third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday, rose may be used instead, referencing the rose used on Laetare Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Lent. A rose coloured candle in Western Christianity is referenced as a sign of joy ( Gaudete) lit on the third Sunday of Advent.

While the traditional color for Advent is violet, there is a growing interest in and acceptance, by some Christian denominations of blue as an alternative liturgical colour for Advent, a custom traced to the usage of the Church of Sweden (Lutheran) and the Mozarabic Rite, which dates from the 8th century.

The Lutheran Book of Worship lists blue as the preferred colour for Advent while the Methodist Book of Worship and the Presbyterian Book of Common Worship identify purple or blue as appropriate for Advent. Proponents of this new liturgical trend argue that purple is traditionally associated with solemnity and somberness, which is fitting to the repentant character of Lent. There has been an increasing trend in Protestant churches to supplant purple with blue during Advent as it is a hopeful season of preparation that anticipates both Bethlehem and the consummation of history in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

This colour is often called "Sarum blue", referring to its purported use at Salisbury Cathedral. Many of the ornaments and ceremonial practices associated with the Sarum rite were revived in the Anglican Communion in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as part of the Anglo-Catholic Oxford Movement in the Church of England. While Anglican liturgist Percy Dearmer does not object to the use of blue during Advent, he did not attribute its use to Sarum. "[T]he so-called Sarum uses are really one-half made up from the fancy of nineteenth-century ritualists." While the Sarum use was influential, different dioceses, including Salisbury, used a variety of colored vestments. "In the Sarum Rite the Advent colour was red, but it could very well have been the red-purple known as murray..."

The Roman Catholic Church retains the traditional violet. Blue is not generally used in Latin Catholicism, and where it does regionally, it has nothing to do with Advent specifically, but with veneration of the Blessed Virgin. However, on some occasions that are heavily associated with Advent, such as the Rorate Mass (but not on Sundays), white is used.

During the Nativity Fast, red is used by Eastern Christianity, although gold is an alternative colour.

Medieval manuscript of Gregorian chant setting of "Rorate Coeli"

Many churches hold special musical events, such as Nine Lessons and Carols and singing of Handel's Messiah oratorio. The Advent Prose, an antiphonal plainsong, may be sung. The "Late Advent Weekdays", 17-24 December, mark the singing of the Great Advent ' O antiphons'. These are the daily antiphons for the Magnificat at Vespers, or Evening Prayer, in the Roman Catholic and Lutheran churches, and Evensong in Anglican churches, and mark the forthcoming birth of the Messiah. They form the basis for each verse of the popular Advent hymn, " O come, O come, Emmanuel".

German songs for Advent include " Es kommt ein Schiff, geladen" from the 15th century and " O Heiland, reiß die Himmel auf", published in 1622. Johann Sebastian Bach composed several cantatas for Advent in Weimar, from Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 61, to Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, BWV 147a, but only one more in Leipzig where he worked for the longest time, because there Advent was a silent time which allowed cantata music only on the first of the four Sundays.

During Advent, the Gloria of the Mass is omitted, so that the return of the angels' song at Christmas has an effect of novelty. Mass compositions written especially for Lent, such as Michael Haydn's Missa tempore Quadragesimae, in D minor for choir and organ, have no Gloria and so are appropriate for use in Advent.

Bishop Perpetuus of Tours, who died in 490, ordered fasting three days a week from the day after Saint Martin's Day (11 November). In the 6th century, local councils enjoined fasting on all days except Saturdays and Sundays from Saint Martin's Day to Epiphany (the feast of baptism), a period of 56 days, but of 40 days fasting, like the fast of Lent. It was therefore called Quadragesima Sancti Martini (Saint Martin's Lent). This period of fasting was later shortened and called "Advent" by the Church.

In the Anglican and Lutheran churches this fasting rule was later relaxed. The Roman Catholic Church later abolished the precept of fasting (at an unknown date at the latest in 1917), later, but kept Advent as a season of penitence. In addition to fasting, dancing and similar festivities were forbidden in these traditions. On Rose Sunday, relaxation of the fast was permitted. Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox churches still hold the tradition of fasting for 40 days before Christmas.

In England, especially in the northern counties, there was a custom (now extinct) for poor women to carry around the "Advent images", two dolls dressed to represent Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary. A halfpenny coin was expected from every one to whom these were exhibited and bad luck was thought to menace the household not visited by the doll-bearers before Christmas Eve at the latest.

In Normandy, farmers employed children under twelve to run through the fields and orchards armed with torches, setting fire to bundles of straw, and thus it was believed driving out such vermin as were likely to damage the crops.

In Italy, among other Advent celebrations is the entry into Rome in the last days of Advent of the Calabrian pifferari, or bagpipe players, who play before the shrines of Mary, the mother of Jesus: in Italian tradition, the shepherds played these pipes when they came to the manger at Bethlehem to pay homage to the infant Jesus.

In recent times the most common observance of Advent outside church circles has been the keeping of an advent calendar or advent candle, with one door being opened in the calendar, or one section of the candle being burned, on each day in December leading up to Christmas Eve. In many countries, the first day of Advent often heralds the start of the Christmas season, with many people opting to erect their Christmas trees and Christmas decorations on or immediately before Advent Sunday.

Since 2011, an Advent labyrinth consisting of 2500 tealights has been formed for the third Saturday of Advent in Frankfurt-Bornheim.

An Advent wreath with three blue candles and one rose candle surrounding the central Christ Candle

A giant Advent wreath in Kaufbeuren, Bavaria, Germany

The keeping of an Advent wreath is a common practice in homes or churches. The concept of the Advent wreath originated among German Lutherans in the 16th century. However, it was not until three centuries later that the modern Advent wreath took shape. The modern Advent wreath, with its candles representing the Sundays of Advent, originated from an 1839 initiative by Johann Hinrich Wichern, a Protestant pastor in Germany and a pioneer in urban mission work among the poor.

In view of the impatience of the children he taught as they awaited Christmas, he made a ring of wood, with nineteen small red tapers and four large white candles. Every morning a small candle was lit, and every Sunday a large candle. Custom has retained only the large candles.

The wreath crown is traditionally made of fir tree branches knotted with a red ribbon and decorated with pine cones, holly, laurel, and sometimes mistletoe. It is also an ancient symbol signifying several things; first of all, the crown symbolises victory, in addition to its round form evoking the sun and its return each year. The number four represents the four Sundays of Advent, and the green twigs are a sign of life and hope.

The fir tree is a symbol of strength and laurel a symbol of victory over sin and suffering. The latter two, with the holly, do not lose their leaves, and thus represent the eternity of God. The flames of candles are the representation of the Christmas light approaching and bringing hope and peace, as well as the symbol of the struggle against darkness. For Christians, this crown is also the symbol of Christ the King, the holly recalling the crown of thorns resting on the head of Christ.

The Advent wreath is adorned with candles, usually three violet or purple and one pink, the pink candle being lit on the Third Sunday of Advent, called Gaudete Sunday after the opening word, Gaudete, meaning "Rejoice", of the entrance antiphon at Mass. Some add a fifth candle (white), known as the Christ Candle, in the middle of the wreath, to be lit on Christmas Eve or Day.

The candles symbolise, in one interpretation, the great stages of salvation before the coming of the Messiah; the first is the symbol of the forgiveness granted to Adam and Eve, the second is the symbol of the faith of Abraham and of the patriarchs who believe in the gift of the Promised Land, the third is the symbol of the joy of David whose lineage does not stop and also testifies to his covenant with God, and the fourth and last candle is the symbol of the teaching of the prophets who announce a reign of justice and peace. Or they symbolise the four stages of human history; creation, the Incarnation, the redemption of sins, and the Last Judgment.

In Orthodox churches there are sometimes wreaths with six candles, in line with the six-week duration of the Nativity Fast/Advent.

In Sweden, white candles, symbol of festivity and purity, are used in celebrating Saint Lucy's Day, 13 December, which always falls within Advent.

Celtic cross at Advent in memorial garden, Bon Air Presbyterian Church, Virginia, US

Advent candles

In the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church, the readings of Mass on the Sundays of Advent have distinct themes:

1. On the First Sunday (Advent Sunday), they look forward to the Second Coming of Christ.

2. On the Second Sunday, the Gospel reading recalls the preaching of John the Baptist, who came to "prepare the way of the Lord"; the other readings have associated themes.

3. On the Third Sunday (Gaudete Sunday), the Gospel reading is again about John the Baptist, the other readings about the joy associated with the coming of the Saviour.

4. On the Fourth Sunday, the Gospel reading is about the events involving Mary and Joseph that led directly to the birth of Jesus, while the other readings are related to these.

1. The readings for the first Sunday in Advent relate to the Old Testament patriarchs who were Christ's ancestors, so some call the first Advent candle that of hope.

2. The readings for the second Sunday concern Christ's birth in a manger and other prophecies, so the candle may be called that of Bethlehem, the way, or of the prophets.

3. The third Sunday, Gaudete Sunday after the first word of the introit (Philippians 4:4), is celebrated with rose-coloured vestments similar to Laetare Sunday at the middle point of Lent. The readings relate to John the Baptist, and the rose candle may be called that of joy or of the shepherds. In the Episcopal Church USA, the collect "Stir up" (the first words of the collect) may be read during this week, although before the 1979 revision of the Book of Common Prayer it was sometimes read in the first Sunday of Advent. Even earlier, 'Stir-up Sunday' was once jocularly associated with the stirring of the Christmas mincemeat, begun before Advent. The phrase "stir up" occurs at the start of the collect for the last Sunday before Advent in the 1662 Book of Common Prayer.

4. The readings for the fourth Sunday relate to the annunciation of Christ's birth, so the candle may be known as the Angel's candle. The Magnificat or Song of Mary may be featured.

5. Where an Advent wreath includes a fifth candle, it is known as the Christ candle and is lit during the Christmas Eve service.

Other variations of the themes celebrated on each of the four Sundays include:

The Prophets' Candle, symbolizing hope; the Bethlehem Candle, symbolizing faith; the Shepherds' Candle, symbolizing joy; the Angel's Candle, symbolizing peace

Hope-Peace-Joy-Love

Faithfulness-Hope-Joy-Love

Prophets-Angels-Shepherds-Magi

Faith-Prepare-Joy-Love

This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Herbermann, Charles, ed. (1913). "Advent". Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company.

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Advent Observed by Christians Type Christian, cultural Significance Preparation for the Second Coming and commemoration of the birth of Jesus Observances Church services, completing an Advent calendar and Advent wreath,[1] praying through a daily devotional,[1] erecting a Chrismon tree,[1] hanging of the greens,[1] lighting a Christingle,[2] gift giving, family and

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Information to support yourself and your session, take a look, some really great facts around sensory benefits of Christmas trees, activities to try and how to support your wellbeing

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Information to support yourself and your session, take a look, some really great facts around sensory benefits of Christmas trees, activities to try and how to support your wellbeing

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https://www.inspirationswholesale.co.uk/blog/christmas/what-are-gonks-where-are-they-from

https://www.goodhomesmagazine.com/inspiration/gonk/

Create a no-sew gonk:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxnZEXNGt68

Learn how to tie a small crafting bow:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giuVRMm2ygI

Wellbeing benefits of real Christmas Trees:

https://metro.co.uk/2021/11/15/the-surprising-wellbeing-benefits-of-having-a-real-christmas-tree-15603276/

https://www.jacksonsnurseries.co.uk/benefits-of-a-real-christmas-tree-versus-an-artificial-tree.html

https://www.forestryengland.uk/blog/forest-bathing

https://www.forestryengland.uk/wellbeing-journal

The history of Christmas Trees: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_tree

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Christmas Traditions and Customs on whychristmas?com

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Find out how many Christmas Traditions and Christmas Customs started and how they are celebrated.

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Links to explore to support your session

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Links to explore to support your session

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https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/sites/default/files/2022-07/How-to-exercise.pdf

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/freepapercraft/paper-gift-ideas/

https://www.etsy.com/uk/market/rustic_gift_wrap

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Taking time for wellbeing, having support when you need it most

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Taking time for wellbeing, having support when you need it most

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Links:  www.mentalhealth.org.uk  Mental health and wellbeing

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Walking is a simple, free way of getting more physically active. It's ideal for people of all ages and fitness levels. It's also easy to build into your daily routine and doesn't need any special equipment.

Walking has many mental and physical health benefits. It can also help you feel part of your community and reduce loneliness and isolation.

Many people don't think of walking as being exercise. However, you don't need to go to the gym, go swimming or play sports to get the benefits of being active. Walking is a great way of reaching the recommended level of physical activity we need to stay healthy.

How much walking should you do to improve your health?

For walking to count towards your recommended level of physical activity, you should walk at a pace that increases your breathing speed and heart rate.

Taking a brisk walk (as if you're late for an appointment) for just 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days per week, can help you feel good. For example, it can:

improve energy

reduce stress

reduce your blood pressure

manage your weight

improve sleep

Health benefits of walking

Like other forms of moderate activity, regular walking is proven to reduce your risk of some chronic illnesses, including:

Walking can also improve your mood and reduce your risk of depression.

For older people, walking more often is great for increasing general mobility and muscle strength in the lower body. This can reduce the risk of falls.

Walking can also help maintain wellbeing and independence in people with long term conditions like:

Walking could also help you manage the symptoms of your condition and in some cases improve them.

Activity trackers for walking

Pedometers, smartphone apps and activity trackers are useful, motivational tools to help you track your walking progress. You can use them to set yourself goals and measure your success.

There's also social benefits of using activity tracking apps as they allow you to:

join walking communities and groups

share your step scores with friends

compare steps with others as part of competitions

Get started

If you decide to do more walking, think about whether you can walk to:

Having a pet dog is also a great way to encourage you to walk more, you could even walk with a friends dog if you don't have your own!

Start with a little more walking

You can start walking by breaking the time into smaller chunks. For example, you could walk for:

10 minutes 3 times per day, or

15 minutes twice a day

Build this up to walk greater distances at a faster pace.

Even a small increase in the amount of walking can bring significant benefits if you're currently inactive.

Walking equipment

Usually all you need is a pair of comfortable shoes, that allow you to walk comfortably and provide suitable support to your feet.

How to do more walking

Making small changes to increase the number of daily steps you take can lead to big health benefits. You should aim to establish a baseline of how many steps you currently do and aim to increase this gradually until you're walking for at least 2.5 hours per week.

You can increase your steps in simple ways.

Walking groups

For some, walking with other people provides motivation to not only start walking more, but to continue. Look for local walking groups, Health Walk groups or try going with friends or your partner.

Health Walk groups

Health Walk groups are found all across Scotland with over 550 walks taking place each week. The walks are:

volunteer led

free

sociable

open to everyone no matter what your age, fitness level or ability

Some Health Walks are also adapted to provide extra support for individuals with dementia or cancer, enabling them to take part with confidence.

Find out more about walking in your area through:

Active Travel

Active travel means making journeys in active ways like walking or cycling. Active travel aims to improve your quality of life and quality of area. Walking instead of driving to nearby locations will:

improve your physical and mental well being

reduce the risk of obesity

reduce traffic and improve the air quality in your area

allow you to save money on fuel

bring your community together

Further information about active travel
Nordic walking

Nordic walking is a full-body exercise that's also easier on your lower joints than regular walking due to the use of poles. It's a great way to significantly improve the condition of your muscles, heart and lungs.

Nordic walking poles harness the power of your upper body muscles to help push you forward as you walk. It's a recognised way to turn a walk into full body exercise. You move in a similar way to ordinary walking. Holding your poles, you swing your arms with your elbows straight allowing the bottom of the poles to push against the ground propelling you forward as you move.

It's recommended that when you begin Nordic walking, you start with lessons to ensure you master the basic technique and can continue the exercise without causing yourself strain or injury. There are Nordic Walking groups across the country that you can join.

Nordic walking can bring health benefits beyond regular walking as it involves more areas of your body. It is a great way of becoming more active if you have balance issues, are overweight or have a long term condition that affects your mobility.
Further information on Nordic walking

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Information about the health benefits of walking and how to walk more in day-to-day life. This includes advice on walking groups in Scotland and active travel.

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Celebrating colour and cultures from around the world - Mandala Art

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Celebrating colour and cultures from around the world - Mandala Art

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Discover the history of mandala design and get tips for how to draw your own versions of these sacred symbols.

What is a mandala?

In the ancient Sanskrit language of Hinduism and Buddhism, mandala means "circle." Traditionally, a mandala is a geometric design or pattern that represents the cosmos or deities in various heavenly worlds. "It's all about finding peace in the symmetry of the design and of the universe," says artist Saudamini Madra.

Artist and math professor Fernanda Bonafini began making mandalas just for the joy of it. "In the process of drawing mandala artwork, you feel much calmer and more peaceful and your breathing and heartbeat slow down. The sensation in your mind and body and their connection, is very good," Bonafini says.

People in different cultures all over the world have created mandalas, suggesting that the form speaks to something deep within every human being. The brilliant psychoanalyst Carl Jung believed that the mandala represents the Self and that drawing a mandala gives a person a sacred space to meet that Self. He considered making mandalas an effective form of art therapy, helping to calm and comfort people struggling with mental health issues.

Mayans, Aztecs, Australian aborigines and European Catholics all created mandalas in one form or another, but mandalas are most common in Buddhist and Hindu art of the Indian subcontinent.

Buddhist sand mandalas.
For centuries, Tibetan Buddhist monks have made these cosmic diagrams out of coloured sand. As they place each grain of sand intentionally using metal funnels and sticks, monks enter a flow state. When they approach the centre point of the artwork, they experience the transcendence of Self and the reality of a universe in which all beings are free from suffering. Then, after days or weeks of labour, they practise nonattachment and demonstrate the impermanence of all things by destroying the mandala.

Hindu mandalas.
Also called yantras, mandalas came to Hinduism from Buddhism. Traditional yantras are square, with a gate on each side around a centre circle that contains one of the Hindu gods. Through the meditative creation of a mandala, the artist summons that god to help them to discover cosmic truths.

How to draw your own mandala.

Begin with a rough idea of what you want to create. Choose circular or rectangular, black and white or colour. You might want to draw petals and leaves for a floral mandala. But don't worry if you're not sure what you want. "Sometimes I have no idea what I'm doing," Madra says. "I just start from the smallest layer, the innermost circle and then I grow it out and it changes. I like the free flow." If you need inspiration, study patterns in your surroundings for possibilities or look at some of the mandala examples on Behance.

The first step for any mandala is to make a grid. "We want it to be symmetrical and we want all of the patterns to be equal," says Madra. Bonafini suggests drawing grid lines that cross the circle at every 30 or 45 degrees. Whether your overall shape is square or circular, you can start around the centre point with a circle. Then decide what basic shapes you want to radiate from that circle, like an inverted U or V. Then, the next layer should be slightly different. You might change the shape a little, fill it in with different strokes or colours. "It's the same pattern, but these small variations will give you a different look once your piece is completed," says Madra.

If you're not sure what patterns to apply, study the ones you like in other mandalas. Choose the patterns that resonate with you and combine them how you like. Bonafini recommends practising the patterns by themselves before putting them on a circle. "Try to train your arm to do the movement so you can get them to be the same size. That's what makes the mandala aesthetically pleasing."

Madra suggests collecting patterns you like. "Create a repository of patterns, so any time you feel like you're stuck or like you're drawing the same patterns again and again, you can refer back to your repository."

The digital drawing advantage.

You don't have to draw in sand or gel pen to create a beautiful mandala. Bonafini loves drawing on her tablet. "I can create and if I don't like it, I can erase. I can do the same pattern multiple times. With paper, if I imagine something and then it doesn't work, I lose the whole thing." Plus, a tablet allows you to bring all of your art supplies with you wherever you go. You can add to your mandala whenever the mood strikes you.

Save time with symmetry.

Create beautiful mandalas in no time with the symmetry options in Adobe Photoshop. You can achieve instant symmetry by clicking the butterfly icon in the Options bar to open the Paint Symmetry menu.

Choose either Radial or Mandala to divide your circle into segments. Radial allows you to choose up to 12 segments and each brushstroke repeats around the centre point. With Mandala, you can choose up to 10 segments at a time and each mark you make on the canvas will be both mirrored and repeated in each segment. It's easy and mesmerising and you might be surprised at the beauty you can quickly create.

On a new layer, select the Brush, Pencil or Eraser tool. Remember that you can vary your brushstrokes and use watercolour techniques and if you keep each ring on a separate layer, you can change the lines or shading of a ring without having to adjust every other ring.

As you get more experienced and add complexity to your patterns, keep in mind Madra's advice to beginners: "Always remember the three Ps: practice, patience and perseverance."

You might also be interested in...

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In this guide, discover the history of mandala design and get tips for how to draw your own versions of these sacred symbols.

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Two useful careers links worth following on Twitter for the latest info about careers.

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Two useful careers links worth following on Twitter for the latest info about careers.

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@nationalCareers and
@CareersWestMids

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Thank you for enrolling on your course, I really hope that you enjoy learning some new creative art and craft skills inspired by your journeys outdoors this Autumn. We hope that you will continue to develop and enjoy your new skills once the course finishes.

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Congratulations on enrolling on a Staffordshire Community Learning or Everyday Maths course!

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https://careers.staffordshire.gov.uk/jobs/latest

WeRecruit is the new Staffordshire County Council's career hub which will improve the recruitment experience for you! It is accessible on both mobile and desktop devices, and will include all candidate communications and show your application progress.  You can now easily: apply for jobs, manage your profile, find information to support your job search. It will also allow you to set up job alerts, so you can quickly access jobs matching your chosen criteria.

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This website is using cookies to improve your browsing experience and to enable social media functionality. By clicking "Turn cookies on", you agree to such purposes. Read more about cookies.

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Jobs and careers with Staffordshire County Council

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This website is using cookies to improve your browsing experience and to enable social media functionality. By clicking "Turn cookies on", you agree to such purposes. Read more about cookies.

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Your  Learner Handbook is packed full of info!

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Your  Learner Handbook is packed full of info!

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This handbook contains lots of really helpful information and advice, about what you can expect, how to stay safe on your course and contacts for other learning.   Our CARE designated safeguarding lead is Carol Parkes, Tel: 07772 273033 and our deputy safeguarding lead is Brad Parkes.  You can contact us both on info@chaseaquaruralenterprise.com with any questions or for support whilst you are on your course.

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Two great links to explore to support your wellbeing and this week's crafting activity

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Two great links to explore to support your wellbeing and this week's crafting activity

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Take time out to support your wellbeing too this busy winter season. Here's a great link to support you with this:

Christmas and mental health:  www.mind.org.uk

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Advent

Observed by
Christians

Type

Christian, cultural

Significance

Preparation for the Second Coming and commemoration of the birth of Jesus

Observances

Church services, completing an Advent calendar and Advent wreath,[1] praying through a daily devotional,[1] erecting a Chrismon tree,[1] hanging of the greens,[1] lighting a Christingle,[2] gift giving, family and other social gatherings

Begins

Fourth (or, in the Ambrosian and Mozarabic Rites, sixth) Sunday before Christmas

2022 date

27 November

2023 date

3 December

2024 date

1 December

2025 date

30 November

Frequency

Annual

Related to

Christmastide, Christmas Eve, Annunciation, Epiphany, Epiphanytide, Baptism of the Lord, Nativity Fast, Nativity of Jesus

Advent is a season observed in most Christian denominations as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of the Nativity of Christ at Christmas and the return of Christ at the Second Coming. Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year in Western Christianity. The name was adopted from Latin adventus "coming; arrival", translating Greek parousia from the New Testament, originally referring to the Second Coming.

The season of Advent in the Christian calendar anticipates the "coming of Christ" from three different perspectives: the physical nativity in Bethlehem, the reception of Christ in the heart of the believer, and the eschatological Second Coming.

Practices associated with Advent include Advent calendars, lighting an Advent wreath, praying an Advent daily devotional, erecting a Christmas tree or a Chrismon tree, lighting a Christingle, as well as other ways of preparing for Christmas, such as setting up Christmas decorations, a custom that is sometimes done liturgically through a hanging of the greens ceremony.

The analogue of Advent in Eastern Christianity is called the Nativity Fast, but it differs in meaning, length, and observances, and does not begin the liturgical church year as it does in the West. The Eastern Nativity Fast does not use the term parousia in its preparatory services.

In the Western Rite of the Orthodox Church, and in the Anglican, Lutheran, Moravian, Presbyterian, and Methodist calendars, Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas (always falling between 27 November and 3 December), and ends on Christmas Eve on 24 December.

In the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church, Advent begins with First Vespers (Evening Prayer I) of the Sunday that falls on or closest to 30 November and it ends before First Vespers (Evening Prayer I) of Christmas. The first day of Advent also begins a new liturgical year. In the Ambrosian Rite and the Mozarabic Rite of the Catholic Church, Advent begins on the sixth Sunday before Christmas, the Sunday after St. Martin's Day (11 November).

For Western Christians of the Catholic and Lutheran traditions, Advent signifies preparation for a threefold coming of Christ: firstly in the Incarnation at Bethlehem, then in a perpetual sacramental presence in the Eucharist, and thirdly at his Second Coming and final judgement.

It is not known when the period of preparation for Christmas that is now called Advent began, though it was certainly in existence from about 480; the novelty introduced by the Council of Tours of 567 was to order monks to fast every day in the month of December until Christmas. According to J. Neil Alexander, it is "impossible to claim with confidence a credible explanation of the origin of Advent".

A representation of Saint Perpetuus

Associated with Advent as a time of penitence was a period of fasting, known also as St Martin's Lent or the Nativity Fast. According to Saint Gregory of Tours the celebration of Advent began in the fifth century when the Bishop Perpetuus directed that starting with the St. Martin's Day on 11 November until Christmas, one fasts three times per week; this is why Advent was sometimes also named "Lent of St. Martin". This practice remained limited to the diocese of Tours until the sixth century.

The Council of Macon held in 581 adopted the practice in Tours. Soon all France observed three days of fasting a week from the feast of Saint Martin until Christmas. The most devout worshipers in some countries exceeded the requirements adopted by the council, and fasted every day of Advent.

The first clear references in the Western Church to Advent occur in the Gelasian Sacramentary, which provides Advent Collects, Epistles, and Gospels for the five Sundays preceding Christmas and for the corresponding Wednesdays and Fridays. The homilies of Gregory the Great in the late sixth century showed four weeks to the liturgical season of Advent, but without the observance of a fast. Under Charlemagne in the ninth century, writings claim that the fast was still widely observed.

In the thirteenth century, the fast of Advent was not commonly practised although, according to Durand of Mende, fasting was still generally observed. As quoted in the bull of canonisation of St. Louis, the zeal with which he observed this fast was no longer a custom observed by Christians of great piety. It was then limited to the period from the feast of Saint Andrew until Christmas Day, since the solemnity of this apostle was more universal than that of St. Martin.

When Pope Urban V ascended the papal seat in 1362, he imposed abstinence on the papal court but there was no mention of fasting. It was then customary in Rome to observe five weeks of Advent before Christmas. The Ambrosian Rite has six. The Greeks show no more real consistency. Advent was an optional fast that some begin on 15 November, while others begin on 6 December or only a few days before Christmas.

The liturgy of Advent remained unchanged until the Second Vatican Council introduced minor changes, differentiating the spirit of Lent from that of Advent, emphasising Advent as a season of hope for Christ's coming now as a promise of his Second Coming.

Rorate Mass in Prague Cathedral, Czech Republic

The theme of readings and teachings during Advent is often the preparation for the Second Coming and the Last Judgement. While the Sunday readings relate to the first coming of Jesus Christ as saviour as well as to his Second Coming as judge, traditions vary in the relative importance of penitence and expectation during the weeks in Advent.

Celebration of a Advent vespers. Cope and antependium are violet, the liturgical colour of Advent in the Roman Rite.

Since approximately the 13th century, the usual liturgical colour in Western Christianity for Advent has been violet; Pope Innocent III declared black to be the proper colour for Advent, though Durandus of Saint-Pourçain claims violet has preference over black. The violet or purple colour is often used for antependia, the vestments of the clergy, and often also the tabernacle. On the third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday, rose may be used instead, referencing the rose used on Laetare Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Lent. A rose coloured candle in Western Christianity is referenced as a sign of joy ( Gaudete) lit on the third Sunday of Advent.

While the traditional color for Advent is violet, there is a growing interest in and acceptance, by some Christian denominations of blue as an alternative liturgical colour for Advent, a custom traced to the usage of the Church of Sweden (Lutheran) and the Mozarabic Rite, which dates from the 8th century.

The Lutheran Book of Worship lists blue as the preferred colour for Advent while the Methodist Book of Worship and the Presbyterian Book of Common Worship identify purple or blue as appropriate for Advent. Proponents of this new liturgical trend argue that purple is traditionally associated with solemnity and somberness, which is fitting to the repentant character of Lent. There has been an increasing trend in Protestant churches to supplant purple with blue during Advent as it is a hopeful season of preparation that anticipates both Bethlehem and the consummation of history in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

This colour is often called "Sarum blue", referring to its purported use at Salisbury Cathedral. Many of the ornaments and ceremonial practices associated with the Sarum rite were revived in the Anglican Communion in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as part of the Anglo-Catholic Oxford Movement in the Church of England. While Anglican liturgist Percy Dearmer does not object to the use of blue during Advent, he did not attribute its use to Sarum. "[T]he so-called Sarum uses are really one-half made up from the fancy of nineteenth-century ritualists." While the Sarum use was influential, different dioceses, including Salisbury, used a variety of colored vestments. "In the Sarum Rite the Advent colour was red, but it could very well have been the red-purple known as murray..."

The Roman Catholic Church retains the traditional violet. Blue is not generally used in Latin Catholicism, and where it does regionally, it has nothing to do with Advent specifically, but with veneration of the Blessed Virgin. However, on some occasions that are heavily associated with Advent, such as the Rorate Mass (but not on Sundays), white is used.

During the Nativity Fast, red is used by Eastern Christianity, although gold is an alternative colour.

Medieval manuscript of Gregorian chant setting of "Rorate Coeli"

Many churches hold special musical events, such as Nine Lessons and Carols and singing of Handel's Messiah oratorio. The Advent Prose, an antiphonal plainsong, may be sung. The "Late Advent Weekdays", 17-24 December, mark the singing of the Great Advent ' O antiphons'. These are the daily antiphons for the Magnificat at Vespers, or Evening Prayer, in the Roman Catholic and Lutheran churches, and Evensong in Anglican churches, and mark the forthcoming birth of the Messiah. They form the basis for each verse of the popular Advent hymn, " O come, O come, Emmanuel".

German songs for Advent include " Es kommt ein Schiff, geladen" from the 15th century and " O Heiland, reiß die Himmel auf", published in 1622. Johann Sebastian Bach composed several cantatas for Advent in Weimar, from Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 61, to Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, BWV 147a, but only one more in Leipzig where he worked for the longest time, because there Advent was a silent time which allowed cantata music only on the first of the four Sundays.

During Advent, the Gloria of the Mass is omitted, so that the return of the angels' song at Christmas has an effect of novelty. Mass compositions written especially for Lent, such as Michael Haydn's Missa tempore Quadragesimae, in D minor for choir and organ, have no Gloria and so are appropriate for use in Advent.

Bishop Perpetuus of Tours, who died in 490, ordered fasting three days a week from the day after Saint Martin's Day (11 November). In the 6th century, local councils enjoined fasting on all days except Saturdays and Sundays from Saint Martin's Day to Epiphany (the feast of baptism), a period of 56 days, but of 40 days fasting, like the fast of Lent. It was therefore called Quadragesima Sancti Martini (Saint Martin's Lent). This period of fasting was later shortened and called "Advent" by the Church.

In the Anglican and Lutheran churches this fasting rule was later relaxed. The Roman Catholic Church later abolished the precept of fasting (at an unknown date at the latest in 1917), later, but kept Advent as a season of penitence. In addition to fasting, dancing and similar festivities were forbidden in these traditions. On Rose Sunday, relaxation of the fast was permitted. Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox churches still hold the tradition of fasting for 40 days before Christmas.

In England, especially in the northern counties, there was a custom (now extinct) for poor women to carry around the "Advent images", two dolls dressed to represent Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary. A halfpenny coin was expected from every one to whom these were exhibited and bad luck was thought to menace the household not visited by the doll-bearers before Christmas Eve at the latest.

In Normandy, farmers employed children under twelve to run through the fields and orchards armed with torches, setting fire to bundles of straw, and thus it was believed driving out such vermin as were likely to damage the crops.

In Italy, among other Advent celebrations is the entry into Rome in the last days of Advent of the Calabrian pifferari, or bagpipe players, who play before the shrines of Mary, the mother of Jesus: in Italian tradition, the shepherds played these pipes when they came to the manger at Bethlehem to pay homage to the infant Jesus.

In recent times the most common observance of Advent outside church circles has been the keeping of an advent calendar or advent candle, with one door being opened in the calendar, or one section of the candle being burned, on each day in December leading up to Christmas Eve. In many countries, the first day of Advent often heralds the start of the Christmas season, with many people opting to erect their Christmas trees and Christmas decorations on or immediately before Advent Sunday.

Since 2011, an Advent labyrinth consisting of 2500 tealights has been formed for the third Saturday of Advent in Frankfurt-Bornheim.

An Advent wreath with three blue candles and one rose candle surrounding the central Christ Candle

A giant Advent wreath in Kaufbeuren, Bavaria, Germany

The keeping of an Advent wreath is a common practice in homes or churches. The concept of the Advent wreath originated among German Lutherans in the 16th century. However, it was not until three centuries later that the modern Advent wreath took shape. The modern Advent wreath, with its candles representing the Sundays of Advent, originated from an 1839 initiative by Johann Hinrich Wichern, a Protestant pastor in Germany and a pioneer in urban mission work among the poor.

In view of the impatience of the children he taught as they awaited Christmas, he made a ring of wood, with nineteen small red tapers and four large white candles. Every morning a small candle was lit, and every Sunday a large candle. Custom has retained only the large candles.

The wreath crown is traditionally made of fir tree branches knotted with a red ribbon and decorated with pine cones, holly, laurel, and sometimes mistletoe. It is also an ancient symbol signifying several things; first of all, the crown symbolises victory, in addition to its round form evoking the sun and its return each year. The number four represents the four Sundays of Advent, and the green twigs are a sign of life and hope.

The fir tree is a symbol of strength and laurel a symbol of victory over sin and suffering. The latter two, with the holly, do not lose their leaves, and thus represent the eternity of God. The flames of candles are the representation of the Christmas light approaching and bringing hope and peace, as well as the symbol of the struggle against darkness. For Christians, this crown is also the symbol of Christ the King, the holly recalling the crown of thorns resting on the head of Christ.

The Advent wreath is adorned with candles, usually three violet or purple and one pink, the pink candle being lit on the Third Sunday of Advent, called Gaudete Sunday after the opening word, Gaudete, meaning "Rejoice", of the entrance antiphon at Mass. Some add a fifth candle (white), known as the Christ Candle, in the middle of the wreath, to be lit on Christmas Eve or Day.

The candles symbolise, in one interpretation, the great stages of salvation before the coming of the Messiah; the first is the symbol of the forgiveness granted to Adam and Eve, the second is the symbol of the faith of Abraham and of the patriarchs who believe in the gift of the Promised Land, the third is the symbol of the joy of David whose lineage does not stop and also testifies to his covenant with God, and the fourth and last candle is the symbol of the teaching of the prophets who announce a reign of justice and peace. Or they symbolise the four stages of human history; creation, the Incarnation, the redemption of sins, and the Last Judgment.

In Orthodox churches there are sometimes wreaths with six candles, in line with the six-week duration of the Nativity Fast/Advent.

In Sweden, white candles, symbol of festivity and purity, are used in celebrating Saint Lucy's Day, 13 December, which always falls within Advent.

Celtic cross at Advent in memorial garden, Bon Air Presbyterian Church, Virginia, US

Advent candles

In the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church, the readings of Mass on the Sundays of Advent have distinct themes:

1. On the First Sunday (Advent Sunday), they look forward to the Second Coming of Christ.

2. On the Second Sunday, the Gospel reading recalls the preaching of John the Baptist, who came to "prepare the way of the Lord"; the other readings have associated themes.

3. On the Third Sunday (Gaudete Sunday), the Gospel reading is again about John the Baptist, the other readings about the joy associated with the coming of the Saviour.

4. On the Fourth Sunday, the Gospel reading is about the events involving Mary and Joseph that led directly to the birth of Jesus, while the other readings are related to these.

1. The readings for the first Sunday in Advent relate to the Old Testament patriarchs who were Christ's ancestors, so some call the first Advent candle that of hope.

2. The readings for the second Sunday concern Christ's birth in a manger and other prophecies, so the candle may be called that of Bethlehem, the way, or of the prophets.

3. The third Sunday, Gaudete Sunday after the first word of the introit (Philippians 4:4), is celebrated with rose-coloured vestments similar to Laetare Sunday at the middle point of Lent. The readings relate to John the Baptist, and the rose candle may be called that of joy or of the shepherds. In the Episcopal Church USA, the collect "Stir up" (the first words of the collect) may be read during this week, although before the 1979 revision of the Book of Common Prayer it was sometimes read in the first Sunday of Advent. Even earlier, 'Stir-up Sunday' was once jocularly associated with the stirring of the Christmas mincemeat, begun before Advent. The phrase "stir up" occurs at the start of the collect for the last Sunday before Advent in the 1662 Book of Common Prayer.

4. The readings for the fourth Sunday relate to the annunciation of Christ's birth, so the candle may be known as the Angel's candle. The Magnificat or Song of Mary may be featured.

5. Where an Advent wreath includes a fifth candle, it is known as the Christ candle and is lit during the Christmas Eve service.

Other variations of the themes celebrated on each of the four Sundays include:

The Prophets' Candle, symbolizing hope; the Bethlehem Candle, symbolizing faith; the Shepherds' Candle, symbolizing joy; the Angel's Candle, symbolizing peace

Hope-Peace-Joy-Love

Faithfulness-Hope-Joy-Love

Prophets-Angels-Shepherds-Magi

Faith-Prepare-Joy-Love

This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Herbermann, Charles, ed. (1913). "Advent". Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company.

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Advent Observed by Christians Type Christian, cultural Significance Preparation for the Second Coming and commemoration of the birth of Jesus Observances Church services, completing an Advent calendar and Advent wreath,[1] praying through a daily devotional,[1] erecting a Chrismon tree,[1] hanging of the greens,[1] lighting a Christingle,[2] gift giving, family and