“In the land of the Christ Child” visitors to the pilgrimage museum of Neukirchen can feel at the Holy Blood in the Cham district: the special exhibition of the same name shows Advent calendars from different eras. The approximately 80 copies come from the collection of the Regensburg folklorist Esther Gajek. She has privately compiled over 3,000 advent calendars over the past few decades.
In 1904 the advent calendar began to triumph
Advent calendars have been around for a good 120 years. The first printed copy appeared in Hamburg in 1902 – a Christmas clock. In 1904 a picture with 24 scenes was created in Stuttgart. This marked the beginning of the triumphant advance of the calendar, which is still popular today with children and adults alike, for counting the time from December 1st to December 24th. The calendars are now available in many countries around the world.
Chocolate calendars also have a long tradition
Many different types of calendars have emerged through history, from the first picture advent calendar with the title “In the Land of the Christ Child” to the “Heavenly Window” to calendars with cartoon characters. By the way, advent calendars with chocolate fillings are not a current invention. They have been made since 1925.
Door calendars and other models
Classic door calendars can be seen in the exhibition, as well as pull-out and plug-in calendars, as well as Advent chapels and large three-dimensional specimens filled with surprises. You can also see Advent calendars from the time of National Socialism with the title “Pre-Christmas” and a “Snowy City of Heaven” from GDR times.
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