The History & Meaning of a Wreath
Wreaths were introduced in primative civilizations where Etruscan rulers of Ancient Italy wore them as crowns. Ancient wreaths were embedded with jewlery made of gold or other precious metals. In the Greco-Roman world, wreaths were used as an adornment that could represent a person’s occupation, rank, their achievements and status. Since the classical use and symbolism of wreaths, the meaning and representation has taken on differing views, depending on the culture.
Harvest wreaths, a common household decoration today, are a custom with ancient roots in Europe. They are associated with animistic spiritual beliefs. In Poland the harvest wreath is a central symbol of the Harvest Festival. The wreath is taken to a church for a blessing by a priest. The tradition includes a procession to the family home from the church, with a girl or young woman leading the procession and carrying the wreath.
In Christianity, wreaths are used to prepare for the Advent Season or the "coming of Christ. The Advent wreath is constructed of evergreens to represent everlasting life brought through Jesus. The circular shape of the wreath represents God, with no beginning and no end. The Advent wreath is now a popular symbol in preparation for the coming of Christ, to mark the beginning of the Christian Church’s year and as décor during the Christmas festivities.
The symbolism of wreaths has also been used at funerals to represent a circle of eternal life. A wreath of white flowers represents the purity of the deceased, and "that eternal crown of glory reserved for him/her in heaven". Flowers represent life and resurrection. Specific flowers are used in funeral wreaths to represent particular sentiments. Cypress and willow were used for crafting wreath frames, and were associated with mourning by the Victorians.
Wreaths are commonly laid at the tombs of soldiers and at memorial monuents during Memorial Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies. Wreaths may also be laid in memory of persons lost at sea, either from an accident or due to navy action. In a memorial service at sea, the wreath is lowered into the water and set adrift.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wreath
Harvest wreaths, a common household decoration today, are a custom with ancient roots in Europe. They are associated with animistic spiritual beliefs. In Poland the harvest wreath is a central symbol of the Harvest Festival. The wreath is taken to a church for a blessing by a priest. The tradition includes a procession to the family home from the church, with a girl or young woman leading the procession and carrying the wreath.
In Christianity, wreaths are used to prepare for the Advent Season or the "coming of Christ. The Advent wreath is constructed of evergreens to represent everlasting life brought through Jesus. The circular shape of the wreath represents God, with no beginning and no end. The Advent wreath is now a popular symbol in preparation for the coming of Christ, to mark the beginning of the Christian Church’s year and as décor during the Christmas festivities.
The symbolism of wreaths has also been used at funerals to represent a circle of eternal life. A wreath of white flowers represents the purity of the deceased, and "that eternal crown of glory reserved for him/her in heaven". Flowers represent life and resurrection. Specific flowers are used in funeral wreaths to represent particular sentiments. Cypress and willow were used for crafting wreath frames, and were associated with mourning by the Victorians.
Wreaths are commonly laid at the tombs of soldiers and at memorial monuents during Memorial Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies. Wreaths may also be laid in memory of persons lost at sea, either from an accident or due to navy action. In a memorial service at sea, the wreath is lowered into the water and set adrift.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wreath