The History Behind Holiday Wreaths

dried wreaths

Christmas is one of the festivities that is being celebrated all around the globe. And I am sure that during these days almost everyone is busy decorating their house with different ornaments for this holiday season. And it will never be complete without door wreaths as it symbolizes the Advent hope in Christ. Nonetheless, have you ever thought of asking how wreaths became associated with this celebration?

We usually have door wreaths and it was believed that this started in ancient Rome to represent victory. While during the Roman times it was said that wreaths are considered to be an emblem of royalty and achievement. It is also known as the wreath of Laurel. These holiday wreaths that we know today have different representations depending on culture, beliefs and views. For pre-Christian Germanic, it has been a practice d during the cold December to gather wreaths of evergreen as a sign of hope and a new light towards the spring. And this also shows the preparation for the coming of Christ and the circular shape means God himself.

And for a while these Christmas wreaths have also been used as ornaments and headdresses as attire for ceremonial events in many cultures all over the globe. Perhaps that’s the reason why we have different fancy wreaths like ribbons wreaths, floral wreaths and leaf wreaths.

With all those various kinds of wreaths, customarily, this ornament is made of four candles encircling evergreens with the fifth candle in the center. These candles are lighted before the evening meal one after the other until December 25th. This will be followed by a prayer and the fifth candle will be the last and this happens on Christmas eve as it represents that Jesus Christ is born.

Today, holiday wreaths are attractive welcoming decorations that add style to your home. May it be an assortment of flowers, leaves, twigs or fruits. Whether you put it there for just the thought of it or maybe you believe in its promise of hope or as a symbol of advent, whatever it is make sure you celebrate this holiday with full of happiness circled with love as the wreath suggest.