A Wreath for the Season
December 3, 2009 – 10:21 am
This 3-foot wreath is made from 1 pindo palm branch
With the holiday season upon us, I decided to hang a wreath near my door. Since I was teaching a workshop on braiding, I made a braided wreath from a Pindo palm ( the kind that produces the orange jelly-making fruit.) Although it was a very simple styled wreath, I hung it with pride. After all, not everyone can create something beautiful out of nothing and the simplicity is one of the things I enjoy most about it. Most of you know that I am not into ornate design.
Anyway, looking at it this morning, my curiosity was piqued. Why do we hang wreaths during the holidays? Here’s what I discovered.
Wreaths are an ancient symbol of wealth and prosperity. The first wreaths appeared in Persia and were much smaller than the modern versions. Called diadems (from diadema: something bound around) they were first used to adorn the neck, wrist or waist. The finer the detailing, the greater the importance of the person wearing it.
During the Greek empire, wreaths were created from sacred plant materials like laurel and olive leaves and were worn about the head. This adaptation can be seen in many works of art. Ancient Olympic winners were “crowned” with such head wreaths.
During the Roman empire, this tradition became a symbol of royalty as emperors were crowned with laurel. Corona is Latin for garland or wreath. During this period, commoners were forbidden to wear such head dresses and punishment was severe if caught.
As man learned how to forge metal, plant material was replaced with lead, silver and gold and often adorned with jewels. During the middle ages, these coronas morphed into the royal crowns that we know today.
Sometime during the post-Victorian era, ornate metal embellishments fell out of fashion as more and more people returned to the simplicity of natural materials. Country manners replaced iron fencing with coppice work, rock walls with bale straw and tiled roofs with thatch. It is theorized that during this time, commoners everywhere began hanging wreaths on their doors. Some say it was a statement of hospitality. “Stay here and you will be treated like royalty.” Other historians say it was a statement of revolt. “We are just as good as royalty and deserve equal adornment.” Christian scholars like to think that it was a symbol of welcoming Jesus Christ, the king of kings.
Whatever version you believe, chances are that we can all agree that a wreath upon a door is a welcoming symbol of love, hospitality and good cheer.
Happy day,
4 Responses to “A Wreath for the Season”
Taht is so neat….just June
By June Van steyn on Dec 3, 2009
That is a beautiful wreath. I would like to take one of your weaving classes. Also yesterdays deer on the beach was just precious. Can’t wit to tell my sister about that. The deer eat all the plants she plants even deer proof ones.
Love your emails. Betty B.
By Betty Black on Dec 3, 2009
Can not spell either, can I. Betty
By Betty Black on Dec 3, 2009
Isn’t it interesting how many things we do “automatically,” with never a wonder of why we’re doing it. The amazing thing Trish offers is the encouragement to wonder why. This very minute, no matter what’s going on, take off your crown of thorns and hang a wreath on that door!!! xx h
By Hartley on Dec 4, 2009