Wreaths can be found in the home throughout the year but for many are most well known as festive decorations. They can be made of almost anything and are generally either placed on a flat surface (advent wreath) or hung on a wall or front door (like those we’re making today).
What many don’t know is that wreath making has a rich tapestry of meaning that dates back as far as the 7th Century BC!
Prevalent in the ancient traditions of the Greek, Roman and Persian empires wreaths were often worn as headresses and symbolized power, authority or an award of honor to warriors, emperors and victorious athletes. They were made of a variety of materials including flowers, olive leaves, laurel, even fabric and jewels.
In ancient pagan, german and scandanavian cultures, wreaths have also symbolized nature and have been used to honour the return of the sun and the promise of spring. The wreaths held candles that were lit in hopes of the return of the warmth and the sunlight.
Christian congregations have adorned their churches for many years with festive decorations such as the ever popular traditional evergreen wreath during the advent period. Candles and specific foilage are chosen to represent their beliefs.
We see wreaths across many other modern religious traditions such as the Christian harvest or maypole festivities. Or the 3 day Muslim celebration of Eid, throughout which door wreaths are often displayed to celebreate the end of the holy month of ramadan.
Over the last century, wreaths have become very popular as head dresses for brides looking for the natural touch.
A common theme across many of the interpretations of the wreath is the circle or ring shape being symbolic of eternity or eternal life, because the shape has no beginning or end.
Some of the most commonly used wreath making materials such as evergreen and holly also carry the meaning of eternal life to some cultures. In fact, the ancient Druids are the first society in known history to have worn sprigs of holly. They believed that holly remained green all year due to having magical properties. Many speculate the holly berries have given us our green and red colors of Christmas.
Later on, winter greenery, particularly mistletoe, started to be considered pagan because of it’s mytical properties. This was because of it’s particular association with magic & winter solstice.
In fact, in 575 A.D., a German Catholic Bishop forbode all Christmas greens and condemned them as "dangerous and heathen". Churches did not see their likeness again for centuries.
In the 16th century, the word "Holly" appeared in writing for the first time, used by Shakespeare. By the 17th century, holly had become a grander part of Christmas celebrations, the Christmas Wreath, and holiday decorations once again.