“The Myths Behind the Holiday Evergreen Wreath”
Today’s holiday celebrations are connected to ancient
ways by the season and by the beauty and symbology of
the evergreen tree. Celts, Romans, early Christians,
and civilizations around the world lived close to
nature and the outdoors. They worshipped within groves
of ancient trees. Early pagans would honor the largest
tree by placing presents beneath it, and many cultures
tied items to tree branches as symbols of prayers or
thanks.
Trees and other plants that stayed green the year round
were considered to have power. The evergreen tree
symbolized power over darkness and death, and
represented the never-ending cycle of the natural
world. Life continues its cycle even in the coldest and
darkest of days of the year.
Wreaths are an ancient symbol of victory. In the case
of the holiday wreath, this can be imagined as victory
over darkness, winter, or death. The circular shape
represents eternal rebirth, while evergreens symbolize
eternal life. Laurel has been used since the Roman
Empire as a symbol for victory; cedar suggests strength
and healing; and holly, pine and yew represent
immortality.
Even cultures that celebrated outdoors began bringing
evergreens indoors as reminders that the sun would
return. Some of the other natural items used to
decorate wreaths also had ancient significance. For
example, Holly is also an evergreen tree, which in
Celtic times was recognized as growing hidden among the
oaks for much of the year, but asserting itself over
its brother the Oak. As winter approached the Oak lost
its leaves and, symbolically, its power.
The Romans celebrated Saturnalia, and the holly tree
was considered sacred to Saturn. In spite of protests
from the Christian church, many Christians adopted both
holly and other evergreens into their Christmas
celebrations. Holly’s prickly leaves have come to
symbolize Jesus’ crown of thorns, and the red berries
represent drops of his bloodshed to save mankind.
On the other hand, Druids believed that holly warded
off witches and lightning, and many brought holly into
their homes during the winter months to provide shelter
for fairies during the storms.
As we weave our holiday garlands and wreaths, we can
remember these ancient stories of faith and hope, and
weave some of these images into our decorations as
well. But the holiday season is a time of generosity
and festivity whether you believe these ancient stories
or not. No knowledge or belief is necessary to
appreciate a wreath’s beauty and welcoming spirit.
This article on The Myths Behind the Holiday Evergreen Wreath is brought to you by www.backyard-gardening.com
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