Wreath
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Look up wreath in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. |
A wreath is an assortment of flowers, leaves, fruits, twigs and/or various materials that is constructed to resemble a ring. They are used typically as Christmas decorations to celebrate the birth of Christ. A special kind of wreath, called an Advent Wreath, is used to mark the passage of the four Sundays of the Advent season in Christianity. They are also used as festive headdresses as attire in ceremonial events in many cultures around the globe. Wreaths have much history and symbolism associated with them. They are usually made from evergreens and symbolize strength, as evergreens last even throughout the harshest winters. Bay laurel may also be used, and these wreaths are known as laurel wreath.
Wreaths are also a traditional form of floral tribute at funerals. [1]
The use of wreaths varies by culture, tradition and religions. In Christianity, it is used to prepare for Jesus’ birth and in many cultures around the world, wreaths are used in weddings as a headdress. The history behind wreaths dates back thousands of years and much of the symbolism lies with Greek mythology, Roman tradition with the present day usage being focused on Advent and for festive décor.
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[edit] History and symbolism
[edit] Greece and Rome
In the Greco-Roman world, wreaths were used as an adornment that could represent a person’s occupation, rank, their achievements and status. The wreath that was commonly used was the laurel wreath. The use of this wreath arose from the Greek myth involving Apollo, Zeus’ son and the god of life and light, who fell in love with the nymph Daphne. When he pursued her she fled and asked the river god Peneus to help her, in which Peneus turned her into a laurel tree. From that day forth, Apollo wore a wreath of laurel on his head. This became associated with what Apollo embodied; victory, achievement and status and would later become one of the most commonly used symbols to address achievement throughout Greece and Rome.
[edit] Advent Wreath
Since the classical use and symbolism of wreaths, the meaning and representation has taken on differing views, depending on the culture. In Christianity, wreaths are used to prepare for the Advent season or the "coming of Christ."[2] The first known association with these now modern day wreaths dates back to the Lutherans in Germany in the 16th century. In 1839, Johann Hinrich Wichern used a wreath made from a cart wheel to educate children about the meaning and purpose of Christmas, as well as to help them count its approach. For every Sunday of Advent, starting with the fourth Sunday before Christmas, he would put a white candle in the wreath and for every day in between he would use a red candle.[3] The Advent wreath is constructed of evergreens to represent everlasting life brought through Jesus and the circular shape of the wreath represents God, with no beginning and no end. The Advent wreath is now a popular symbol in preparation for the coming of Christ, to mark the beginning of the Christian Church’s year and as décor during the Christmas festivities.
[edit] As an attire
A wreath is a headdress made from leaves, flowers and branches. It is typically worn in festive occasions and on holy days.
[edit] References
- ^ Funeral Wreaths, First Impressions Floral tributes, Accessed Oct 2011
- ^ “Advent”, Harper’s Magazine (New York: Harper and Brothers Publishing, 1896) p. 776
- ^ Angie Mosteller, Christmas: Celebrating the Christian History of American Symbols, Songs and Stories (USA: Celebrating Publishing Inc., 2008), p. 154-155
[edit] External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Wreaths |
