One timeless symbol of the holiday season, apart from the Christmas tree, of course, is the Christmas wreath. A circular adornment often hung on doors to welcome guests and spread cheer. Embellished with evergreen boughs, vibrant ribbons, and sparkling ornaments, the wreath embodies the cyclical nature of life and the promise of renewal. But have you ever wondered about the origin of this tradition?
The Origin Story
Hanging a wreath is nearly as iconic a Christmas tradition as the tree itself, and both customs share a common origin. Germans are widely recognized as the pioneers of decorating the beloved Christmas tree as well as the Christmas wreath. The tradition of hanging Christmas wreaths as we know it today was often crafted to accompany Advent celebrations.
The story of the Christmas wreath began in 16th-century Northern and Eastern Europe, where people brought evergreens into their homes during the winter. These evergreen branches served as a reminder for them of life persisting amidst the harshness of winter.
It can also be traced back to ancient civilizations and has roots in ancient pagan traditions. The Romans, for instance, used wreaths to honor their gods and celebrate victories. In Germanic and Scandinavian cultures, evergreen wreaths were associated with their pagan holiday called "Yule”, honoring the winter solstice, awaiting the return of the sun and the promise of spring.
A Symbol of Eternity and Renewal
Originally used as Christmas tree ornaments, wreaths brought a new layer of meaning to the ancient symbolism of circular shapes. Their wheel-like form represents eternity and divine perfection. While evergreens, with their enduring green color, represent hope and resilience, even in the harshest winter months.
Advent Wreath
The wreath became closely linked to Advent, the four weeks leading up to Christmas. This season of anticipation and preparation is marked by the lighting of candles on the Advent wreath: three purple candles representing hope, love, and peace; one pink candle for joy; and in some places, a central white candle, known as the Christ candle, lit on Christmas Eve to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
WELCOME THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH FESTIVE WREATHS
Deck the halls with boughs of holly… and exquisite Christmas wreaths from Orchid Republic Floral Boutique! From classic red and green to modern and minimalist, there’s a wreath to suit every style and theme. With our same-day delivery to the Greater Los Angeles Area and Orange County, you can start on your holiday decorations and spread cheer throughout the season. So, let the holiday magic begin with a beautiful wreath from Orchid Republic!
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