Why is wreath important at christmas

But, an artificial one just doesn't smell the same as a real wreath. It is decorated wit a variety of items including pine cones, holly berries, fruits, and just about anything you can imagine. The wreath has significant meaning for the season. It's circular shape represents eternity, for it has no beginning and no end.

From a christian religious perspective, it represents an unending circle of life. The evergreen, most frequently used in making wreathes, symbolizes growth and everlasting life.

Holly branches have thorns. When used in a wreath it represents the thorn on Jesus' crown when he was crucified. Is our tradition of hanging wreaths on our doors tied to history, or is it all about mass commercialization? It feels like a deep dive might be warranted here, so let's dig in and see what we find. Interestingly, the wreath discussion is pretty layered. As with most cultural relics, the holiday wreath has its roots in several different religions and cultures.

Depending on who you ask, some people see the holiday wreath as being entirely secular and simply decorative. Others, however, link the evergreen branches back to Christianity. There is even symbolism to be found in the structure of the traditional wreath itself; the choice of the evergreen branches and the circular shape aren't accidental. The logic here is that the wreath represented the thorns worn by Christ on the cross, and the tiny red berries represent Christ's blood.

In ancient Greece, the cherished prize for an orator and poet was a wreath. Olympic winners were also awarded a wreath. Ancient Egyptians sewed flowers onto strips of cloth forming head wreaths, often used to decorate statues of gods.

Early Germanic cultures used a wreath table decoration and later added candles to the traditional winter solstice evergreen circle.

The wreath was a winter reminder that spring would return and the Earth would once more turn warm. Christmas Wreath Meaning and Symbolism Each part of the Christmas wreath has a meaning in keeping with the season. The Circle Traditional wreaths are in the form of a circle. This circle has numerous meanings, both to Christians and non-Christians alike: The eternal presence of God, with no beginning and no end The cycle of the seasons, from spring to winter and eventually to spring again The hope of life renewing itself The hope of eternal life through Christ, the Savior The unending love of God.

Materials in the Wreath The early wreaths were made out of several evergreen materials. Each evergreen used, however, also has a meaning: Holly represents the crown of thorns that Christ wore at the Crucifixion Pine, holly and yew symbolize eternal life Cedar stands for healing Laurel represents the conquest over pain and suffering Pine cones, seeds, and nuts represent birth and rebirth.

Colors The traditional Christmas colors of red and green also have symbolic meaning. Advent Wreath Meaning This special type of seasonal decoration is full of symbolism. The lighting of the Advent wreath candles reminds that Christ is the Light of the world.

The color purple advent wreath candles symbolizes reverence and prayer. The white candle represents the purity of Christ and the Virgin Birth. Wreath on Door Meaning There are several ancient customs of hanging a wreath on the front door. Adding Foods to Greenery In the tradition of celebrating the fall harvest, many front door evergreen wreaths were decorated with nuts and fruits from the last harvest.

Fun Facts About Wreaths From door wreaths to the religious Advent wreaths, there are many meanings and symbols tied to the use of wreaths. In ancient times, wreaths were given as prized gifts. The Advent wreath represents the anticipation of the coming of the Christ child. Pagan rituals often included a type of wreath that represented the current season. In colonial days, American colonists used evergreens to fashion wreaths and decorated with harvest crops. Herbal wreaths were used to ward off evil and diseases.

Ancient Romans wore wreaths made of specific greenery or flowers to signify their social status.