The village Christmas Elves, Martie and Steve, were out and about yesterday delivering their traditional Christmas wreaths.  Once again, because of the configuration of our porch and doors, they brought us three.  Three gorgeous wreaths to get our Holiday Season up and running!

For us, the wreaths symbolize inviting the spirit of Christmas into our home along with good tidings and good fortune for the season and the upcoming year.   For many, though, the wreaths are associated with religion, as their circular shape is said to symbolize eternal life and the unending love of God. In the 16th century, the use of wreaths during Yule was adopted by Christians and became a custom in the form of Advent wreaths. These wreaths were traditionally made of evergreens, which also symbolize eternal life, holly oak, and red berries. The red berries and the thorny leaves of the holly oak represented the crown of thorns worn by Jesus and the drops of blood that they drew.

Wreaths, of course, go back centuries.  The word “wreath” comes from the Old English “writhan,” meaning “to twist,”  and they have long been associated with many cultures.  In the Persian Empire, wreaths called “diadems” were a sign of power or authority.  Made of fabric and and adorned with jewels, they were often worn by royalty. Ancient Egyptians also wore a type of wreath as a headdress, but theirs were of flowers and called a “chaplet” In  Rome, wreaths made of laurel were worn by emperors and awarded to warriors and others as a symbol of honor. Additionally, Romans awarded olive leaf and laurel wreaths to winning athletes and even poets. Wreaths were hung on doors as signs of victory.

Christmas wreaths are also connected with the pagan holiday of Yule, marking the winter solstice, which was celebrated by ancient Germanic and Scandinavian peoples. This 12-day festival, which was also called midwinter, was held to honor the returning of the sun and the seasonal cycle. The wreaths used during Yule were meant to symbolize nature and the promise of spring.

For me this holiday season, however they are displayed and for whatever reasons, wreaths symbolize good will and hope — both so sorely needed as we approach Christmas 2021 and the uncertainties of a new year.