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Christmas, Origins Of The Christmas Wreath
by Alex Daniels
Although it may appear a few items down your list of things you think of for decorations at Christmas time (after Christmas trees, lights, presents, and even nativity scenes) the wreath is one of the most enduring holiday symbols that there is. With its roots in pagan history, the wreath can also be regarded as a decoration appropriate to many different faiths, not just Christianity.
Ancient Roots of the Wreath Laurel wreaths and wreaths made from the leaves of other trees were common among several ancient peoples. People who used this type of symbol included the Druidic cultures of Germania and Britannia as well as the Greeks and the Romans. The Greeks would use the laurel wreath to bestow upon their athletes in the Olympic Games as a sign of the favor of the god Apollo. Romans would use the wreath as a symbol of authority, as would the druidic cultures.
The circular shape of the wreath was widely accepted to represent eternity (a circle has no beginning and no end). In the case of the Greeks, Apollo's wreath symbolized an eternal love for a goddess. The Romans held authority in great esteem, and the wreath represented the eternal nature though to be bestowed upon rulers of the empire. For druidic and other cultures that utilized the wreath, the circle symbolized a continuation of nature that surpassed the time line of earthly beings.
In Britain and Germany, the traditions of the druids often became intertwined with those of the Romans during the occupation of these lands. Thus, several Roman celebrations began to incorporate druid practices, and vice versa. By the time the Romans left Britain, the influence of Christianity was also a crucial factor in the development of the traditions of the Island. Thus, the three cultures had meshed to form some of the most enduring parts of modern North American traditions. The use of pine boughs to form the Christmas wreath is a direct result of the influence of Saturnalia (which also led to the use of the Christmas tree).
Modern Times As Christianity spread, the use of the wreath began to take on different meanings, supplanting the old mystic cultural intonations. The idea of an eternal circle as the basis of the shape remained, but instead of symbolizing pagan rituals and beliefs Christians claimed the shape represented the unending love of God and his son, Jesus. Holly berries and scarlet ribbons were also incorporated into the wreath. These decorations symbolized the blood that Jesus shed at Easter. The wreath can also be considered to be a symbolic representation of the crown of thorns that Jesus wore during his crucifixion, thus serving to remind Christians that the celebration of the birth of Christ should also be cause to remember his death.
While many people hang wreaths from their doors, there are also wreaths that are used in advent celebrations. This tradition became widespread in Germany, and from there has spread to many other countries. The advent marks the four weeks leading up to Christmas. A candle is lit on the Sunday of each of these weeks. Traditionally, the candles on the wreath are violet and rose, but most advent commemorators will use colors of white or red for their candles.
About The Author: Alex is a consultant for Metro Guardian, provider of commercial-grade http://www.metroguardian.net for furniture or clothing, stain remover and more.
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You may want to try these websites for additional information
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The information provided in this article is the express opinion of the author. Exchangenet is not responsible for the content!
Although it may appear a few items down your list of things you think of for decorations at Christmas time (after Christmas trees, lights, presents, and even nativity scenes) the wreath is one of the most enduring holiday symbols that there is. With its roots in pagan history, the wreath can also be regarded as a decoration appropriate to many different faiths, not just Christianity.
Ancient Roots of the Wreath Laurel wreaths and wreaths made from the leaves of other trees were common among several ancient peoples. People who used this type of symbol included the Druidic cultures of Germania and Britannia as well as the Greeks and the Romans. The Greeks would use the laurel wreath to bestow upon their athletes in the Olympic Games as a sign of the favor of the god Apollo. Romans would use the wreath as a symbol of authority, as would the druidic cultures.
The circular shape of the wreath was widely accepted to represent eternity (a circle has no beginning and no end). In the case of the Greeks, Apollo's wreath symbolized an eternal love for a goddess. The Romans held authority in great esteem, and the wreath represented the eternal nature though to be bestowed upon rulers of the empire. For druidic and other cultures that utilized the wreath, the circle symbolized a continuation of nature that surpassed the time line of earthly beings.
In Britain and Germany, the traditions of the druids often became intertwined with those of the Romans during the occupation of these lands. Thus, several Roman celebrations began to incorporate druid practices, and vice versa. By the time the Romans left Britain, the influence of Christianity was also a crucial factor in the development of the traditions of the Island. Thus, the three cultures had meshed to form some of the most enduring parts of modern North American traditions. The use of pine boughs to form the Christmas wreath is a direct result of the influence of Saturnalia (which also led to the use of the Christmas tree).
Modern Times As Christianity spread, the use of the wreath began to take on different meanings, supplanting the old mystic cultural intonations. The idea of an eternal circle as the basis of the shape remained, but instead of symbolizing pagan rituals and beliefs Christians claimed the shape represented the unending love of God and his son, Jesus. Holly berries and scarlet ribbons were also incorporated into the wreath. These decorations symbolized the blood that Jesus shed at Easter. The wreath can also be considered to be a symbolic representation of the crown of thorns that Jesus wore during his crucifixion, thus serving to remind Christians that the celebration of the birth of Christ should also be cause to remember his death.
While many people hang wreaths from their doors, there are also wreaths that are used in advent celebrations. This tradition became widespread in Germany, and from there has spread to many other countries. The advent marks the four weeks leading up to Christmas. A candle is lit on the Sunday of each of these weeks. Traditionally, the candles on the wreath are violet and rose, but most advent commemorators will use colors of white or red for their candles.
About The Author: Alex is a consultant for Metro Guardian, provider of commercial-grade http://www.metroguardian.net for furniture or clothing, stain remover and more.
These articles on lifestyle and more
Reprint this article free of charge as long as you keep the author's resource box or bio intact and the links active. A copy of the ezine or URL of the page where the article was reprinted emailed to the author would be very much appreciated. christmas
Return to the selection of christmas
You may want to try these articles on christmas
Christmas, The Right Christmas Office Gift Exchanges Games Of All Times by Thomas Bronson Approximately 773 Words
Christmas, The Magic Of Icicle Lights by Adam Peters Approximately 472 Words
Christmas, When It’s Christmas, Witness Radio City’s Christmas Spectacular by Jean Rennick Approximately 688 Words
Christmas, Christmas In Austria by Alex Daniels Approximately 439 Words
Christmas, Creating A Beautiful Christmas Centerpiece by Michelle Bery Approximately 451 Words
Christmas, Christmas 50 Years Ago Vs. Christmas Today by Alex Daniels Approximately 459 Words
Christmas, Celebrating The Season With Christmas Party Ideas by Michelle Bery Approximately 441 Words
You may want to try these websites for additional information
http://www.holidays.net/christmas/story.htm
http://www.merry-christmas.com/
http://www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/xmas/clip.html
The information provided in this article is the express opinion of the author. Exchangenet is not responsible for the content!
