Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
Christmas wreaths history, well a brief history anyway, as when you start to look into the various religious and pagan symbolism plus traditions from around the world, we’d be here until next Christmas!
Etymology, the origin of the word Wreath
The word ‘wreath’ comes from the Old English word ‘writha’ or ‘writhen’. The literal meaning is ‘that which is wound around’ – which is a fairly good description. However, there are other words, nouns, in use too, such as garland, chaplet, festoon, corona, diadem.
But it’s not just about foliage. The word wreath is also used to describe other things that are twisted, intertwined, or curled, such as a wreath of smoke.
Symbolism
The circular shape of traditional wreaths are both practical and symbolic. Practical because a circle fits easily on the head when worn as a floral crown or laurel wreath, and it is easy to hang on a door or tree or hook. And if I may be prosaic, a recognisable circular shape is the easiest one for a novice to achieve when creating Christmas wreaths.
But the circle itself has a deep meaning, as our anonymous quote suggests –
“Symbolizing eternal hope, the wreath goes round and round, And where it starts or ends cannot be found.”
Depending on one’s faith or understanding, this may be the:
- cycle of the seasons, from spring to winter and round to spring again
- eternal presence of God or gods, with no beginning and no end
- hope of life renewing itself
Christmas wreaths history across the world
Wreaths, coronae, were used to crown victors in Ancient Greece and Rome. Greek athletes participated in the Panhellenic Games, between 8th century BCE and 4th century CE. These took place different locations and the victors were crowned with wreaths, which varied on the location. In Olympia the wreaths were made from olive leaves, whilst laurel wreaths crowned the Delphi winner; wild celery was used in Nemea, and pine wraths in Isthmia.
And many of us have seen statues and pictures of ancient gods wearing wreaths, garlands, foliage and floral crowns on their heads. This emblem of power and prestige was also used to honour victorious generals on their return to Rome.
However the Christmas wreaths history in Europe from the early centuries of the Common Era gets a bit confused. There is the fully Christian version, the pagan customs that never died, and the more recent ‘the Victorians started it’ version. A whistle stop version of the three ensues…
Pagans and pre-Christian
The Christmas wreaths history in the pagan version suggests that, especially as a predominantly rural society, firmly linked to the changing seasons, evergreen wreaths have always been a part of the Winter Solstice festival. The word ‘Yule’ often used as a synonym for Christmas, comes from the Old Norse ‘jol’, the winter festivals, which are themselves named after the god Odin. However, ‘yule’ is also derived from the Old English name for the Twelve Days of Christmas, and from the Icelandic and early Germanic.
Sorry, I digressed slightly. The point being that along with the Yule log, the Winter Solstice celebrations included wearing garlands of evergreens. And there is archaeological evidence dating back to the Bronze age suggesting the importance mid-winter festivals. Certainly decorating homes, farms and self with plants that held magical powers to ward off evil spirits was part of seasonal festivals. And paganism is as valid as any religion, so these rites shouldn’t be ‘sniffed at’.
Christianity
In the early 8th century, Saint Boniface, whilst converting the Germanic peoples to Christianity, also invented the first Christmas tree. He saw stars shining through the branches of a fir tree and was inspired by its triangular shape that reminded him of the Trinity. He turned the pagan symbolism of the evergreens to the glory of God.
The addendum to this tale of Christmas trees decorated with stars is that in order to make a neat triangular shape, branches were trimmed off. And the off-cuts were turned into evergreen wreaths and garland to decorate trees and homes.
What the Victorians did for us
Most of us are probably aware that it was the marriage of Queen Victoria to Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha that brought many Germanic and mainland European festive traditions to Britain.
The popularity of Christmas as a family and Christian occasion, with decorated trees, evergreen wreaths on front doors, and sending cards grew and became settled into British culture.
But…
We were decking the halls with boughs of holly and singing whilst we did so in Wales in the 16th century. (viz the winter carol, Nos Galan)
And in mid 15th century London,
“every man’s house and also his parish church was decked with holme, ivie, bayes, and whatever the season of the year afforded to be green.”
Holme is an old, alternative name for holly.
The reason for using holly in these festival decorations is that it is believed to protect a person and their property from curses and evil spirits. Hmm, don’t know about you, but to me that is highly suggestive that garlands of holly hung on the fireplace and at the windows and on the doors would have been customary.
Christmas wreaths history – plants and materials
Which brings us to what we make our wreaths from and why. All evergreens represent eternal life, or the circle of life, but some have extra symbolism: –
- Cedar – healing
- Fir – endurance, hope
- Holly – protection from ill-will, gives good luck
- Laurel, in particular Bay laurel – conquest, achievement
- Pine – healing and long life
- Rosemary – remembrance, loyalty, fertility
- Yew – death and resurrection
The base for a wreath may be –
- twisted stems of willow, honeysuckle
- florists’ oasis – there are now recyclable alternatives
- ‘template’ ring of metal filled with moss or straw
- ready made moss ring
- wooden frame such as an embroidery one
Or there may be no base, just the entwined plant stems
And finally…
It’s clear that the Christmas wreaths history and its symbolism is multi-layered and can be seen globally in many different guises ancient, modern, religious and secular.
And so you can explore more of these mythical and practical themes, there are links below to Plews Potting Shed articles on growing mistletoe, Christmas trees, garden and planting design ideas for your winter garden and gardening tasks. Oh and a winter short story. You could come and find us on Instagram Pinterest and Facebook too.
However you celebrate this Festive season, enjoy your garden and if Plews can help you with anything, please do get in touch. For example –
Our Garden Consultancy & Advice Visits may help with some of your issues. Or does your planting need a rethink? Do you have a birthday coming up? Plews bespoke Gardening Lessons, where your classroom is actually your own garden make a wonderful and practical gift. You could learn how to grow an orchard of citrus fruits in your conservatory! We help you with both gardening basics and more ‘expert tasks’, depending on what you need. Have a read through this pdf download for info.
Feeling nosey? You can have a peek at the progress of my garden renovation, Spitfires and Slow Worms, on Instagram and Facebook
You’ll get to see it in person if you come to the Plews Gardening Workshops Current ones on Eventbrite for you to book into. Follow for updates on topics and dates on Plews website, Instagram, Eventbrite, Facebook
Plus get your local garden club, allotment, WI, U3A or other group to ask me along to give a talk (and bring plants 😉)
Related Gardening articles you may enjoy from our Award Winning Blog
Christmas Plants and caring for Christmas Trees
Growing Mistletoe for Christmas and for Wildlife
Scented Shrubs for Christmas Morning
Why are Christmas Trees like Cut Flowers?
How to Choose Your Real Christmas Tree
Folklore and Science
The Winter Solstice and Your Garden
Edible Gardening
Could You Grow Your Own Christmas Pudding?
Growing Culinary Herbs in your Winter Garden
Garden Design & Planting Design Ideas
10 Unusual Winter Flowering Shrubs
12 Design Ideas for Your Winter Garden
Cornus – Dogwood – Colourful Winter Stems
6 Bird Friendly Shrubs for Your Winter Garden
Winter Gardening Tasks
9 Winter Vegetable Garden Tasks to be Doing Now
Your Greenhouse Plants Winter Checklist
And a winter short story
