The word wreath most often invokes thoughts of Christmas, but its roots can be traced back to the ancient cultures of the Persian Empire, where they were originally used as a sign of importance and victory. Originally, the circlet was called a "diadem" and took the form of fabric headbands which were sometimes adorned with jewels.
Beginning around 776 B.C., The Greeks placed wreaths made of laurel on the heads of victorious athletes in the original Olympic Games. Later, when the Games began to move to different cities, each host city would award head garlands made of branches of local trees.
In ancient Rome wreaths were worn on the heads of leaders such as Julius Caesar much like the crown of a king.
Exactly when the transition from head ornament to wall decoration occurred is unclear. It probably came about when a warrior or athlete decided to save his or her award as a memento of victory.
Perhaps the loveliest use of this symbol is the Advent wreath. The origin of the advent wreath is claimed by several groups although it is now thought of as a Catholic custom.
It probably originated in Northern Europe at a time when Pagan customs were practiced. The evergreen circle or wheel was a symbol of the recurring seasons or the “circle of life” and the candles were to symbolize the coming of light, or spring. The candles were lit to ward off the dark and cold of the winter night in anticipation of the light and warmth of the coming season.
The Swedish custom of the wearing of the crown of lights by young girls on St. Lucia’s Day is another popular explanation for the origin of the Advent wreath.
Others claim the custom was started by the German Lutheran’s and taken up by the Catholics in the early 1500’s
Which explanation is the true one will probably never be known, most likely it evolved from all of them into what is known today as the Advent wreath, the circle of greens decorated with four candles to signify the four weeks prior to Christmas as the Advent weeks and the coming of light.
Today, beautifully decorated wreaths are popular throughout the year, having taken on many different meanings plus using many different types of vegetation.
But by far the most popular use is the Christmas wreath made from evergreen boughs which is hung on a wall or door to invoke warm feelings of Christmas cheer. |
