The History of Christmas Garlands and Wreaths

The two most popular Christmas decorations are the wreath and the garland. Why do we decorate the front door with a wreath and what is a Christmas wreath made out of. Why do we use garlands in our Christmas decor and what are they made out of? These are questions we're going to try to answer to.

Used on special occasions (mostly holidays such as Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Easter, Valentine's Day, etc. wreaths are rounded ornaments which are made out of branches and decorated by means of evergreen, leaves, fruits and ribbons. People generally hang a wreath to their door, sometimes on the window or a wall. We can even use a wreath a table centerpiece. But the most popular and common wreath is the one used on front doors.

Also commonly used on special occasions, garlands are basically opened wreaths made out of the same elements than the original wreaths: branches, evergreen, leaves, fruits, bows, etc.

Ideal decorating items for any occasion, garlands and wreaths are available in a wide range of styles and designs.

The evergreen in wreaths and garlands stand for the life, which is expected the longest. When used in wreaths or garlands, pine and holly are used to represent immortality. Symbolizing healing and endurance, cedar can also be present in garlands and wreaths.

Romans and Greeks already used wreaths, see Caesar who's always represented wearing a laurel wreath on the head. Greeks used to produce laurel wreaths as well as wreaths made out of olive branches to which they added flowers (preferably white flowers). Those wreaths were used to crown game winners.

Both civilizations were particularly superstitious; which is the reason why wreaths were mainly round as roundness is a symbol of eternity.

As for Northern Europeans of the times, they used to make wreaths out of conifer trees to celebrate the deads.

In order to make a perfect Advent wreath, you'll need a wreath made out of evergreen, fruits, berries and bows to the center of which you'll four candles (the four candles represent the 4 Sundays before Christmas). If you want to make a Christmas wreath, then you'll use holly leaves, fruits, berries, ribbons - and, if you wish to theme your Christmas wreath, you'll put the finishing touches with a few Christmas tree ornaments, medals, family pictures, etc.

Although Christmas wreaths and Christmas garlands weren't always welcomed by the churches, they finally became entire part of our Christmas decor and for the best, of course!