The History of the Wreath

Wreaths are circular arrangements of flowers, greenery and twigs that are sometimes embellished with other decorations like fruit or berries. These are commonly used to decorate for the holiday season and are also used at funerals to honor the deceased. Many people today take the existence of wreaths for granted. The history of the wreath, however, is very interesting and worth reading about.

The Greeks

The Greeks were the first people to use wreaths. They often wore wreaths on their heads to symbolize victory. In fact, winners at the ancient Olympics were given wreaths to wear as they finished.

Rome

As the Romans took power of the ancient world, they continued to use the tradition of the Greek wreaths. In Roman society, wreaths symbolized wealth. They were worn by kings and were often decorated with valuable gold and gems. Julius Caesar himself proclaimed that the laurel wreath was the premier symbol of a supreme ruler. The modern-day crown is a decedent of the wreaths these rulers wore.

The Advent wreath

As Christianity arose, Christians adopted the wreath and began to use it to symbolize the preparation for Christ's coming in the Christmas season. To many, this is when the modern wreath, made from evergreen, first appeared. The ring shape symbolizes the eternal life brought by Christ to his people on earth.

Since the time of the first evergreen Advent wreaths, this type of wreath has evolved into a more secular symbol of Christmas. Christians and non-Christians alike decorate with various wreaths and place them on the doors of their homes as a welcoming gesture.