Christmas Wreath History - Most Often Associated with Christmas, They Were First a Sign of Victory

Christmas Wreath History
Most Often Associated with Christmas, They Were First a Sign of Victory

The word wreath is most often associated with thoughts of Christmas, but the wreath has a long history, dating back to the ancient cultures of the Persian Empire. The wreath was originally a sign of importance and victory. In ancient Rome wreaths were worn much like a crown by the leaders such as Julius Caesar. The Greeks crowned the victorious athletes with wreaths made of laurel leaves in the original Olympic Games. Back in ancient Rome, people used decorative wreaths as a sign of victory. Some believe that this is where the hanging of wreaths on doors came from. It is believed that the tradition of hanging a wreath in the home came from the the victors keeping there wreath as a memento of victory on their walls.

Today, in America the evergreen wreath is seen as a symbol of Christmas. They are hung on the front doors and displayed through out the house. With an abundance of live plants and greenery, the materials chosen for the wreath hold different meanings. For instance, a wreath made of holly and mistletoe would be used of shelter a home from the spirits of cold and winter.

Even though wreaths are an integral part of Christmas, they have become a popular way to decorate the home for every other season as well. These wreaths usually reflect personal tastes and with the vast assortments of artificial flowers and plants as well as dried herbs, the choices we have for materials are limitless. But, the most popular use of wreaths is still the Christmas wreath. These are usually made from evergreen boughs and are usually hung on a wall or door to give the home that extra little Christmas feeling. Regardless of the material used, wreaths continue to symbolize welcome, everlasting life and joyful spirit.

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