Flowers in Advent

[Hare]

Our Diocesan Directory states "..............the floral decoration of the altar should be marked by a moderation that reflects the character of the season........."

Has this changed? I am sure it used to read "no flowers except on the 3rd Sunday.." ? ? (And I'm talking of recent change - not 40 years ago or anything like that) I ask, as there is some "discussion" taking place regarding next weekend when we have the Archbishop with us.......

[Southern Comfort]

Our Diocesan Directory states "..............the floral decoration of the altar should be marked by a moderation that reflects the character of the season........."

Has this changed? I am sure it used to read "no flowers except on the 3rd Sunday.." ? ?

It's a direct quote from GIRM 305.

Moderation should be observed in the decoration of the altar.

During Advent the floral decoration of the altar should be marked by a moderation suited to the character of this season, without expressing prematurely the full joy of the Nativity of the Lord. During Lent it is forbidden for the altar to be decorated with flowers. Laetare Sunday (Fourth Sunday of Lent), Solemnities, and Feasts are exceptions.

Floral decorations should always be done with moderation and placed around the altar rather than on its mensa.

A recognition that Advent is not a penitential season (it has an Alleluia) like Lent. Rather, it is eager expectation. "We wait in joyful hope" — whoops! I mean "the blessed hope", whatever that is.

[Hare]

Is this someone's personal view then? http://www.canticanova.com/articles/xmas/art1j1.htm

[VML]

It happened to be my turn to do flowers this week. We had no Advent flowers till new PP six years ago, but he follows the above posting.
I made a point of doing arrangements less than half the usual size, and all vibernum, (that midwinter bush that is loaded already with heads of white blossom,) and berried ivy.
Also, using homegrown gets us away from the ubiquitous all year round imported flowers.

[Southern Comfort]

Is this someone's personal view then? http://www.canticanova.com/articles/xmas/art1j1.htm

I think it is. He may not realize that the liturgical colour for Advent was white as late as the 12th century, and it was regarded as a festal season. It had a Gloria at that time, too.

Only in the late Middle Ages did it assume a penitential character. One of the postconciliar liturgical reforms has been to correct this perception of Advent.

In addition to GIRM 305, here is a useful quote from the General Norms for the Liturgical Year, para 39:

Advent has a twofold character: as a time to prepare for the solemnity of Christmas when the Son of Godʼs first coming to us is remembered; as a season when that remembrance directs the mind and heart to await Christʼs Second Coming at the end of time. For these two reasons, the season of Advent is thus a period for devout and joyful expectation.