Christmas wreaths: The origin and various traditions

Growing up as a child of the 1960s I came to realize that wreaths hanging from doors were as much a staple of the December 25th holiday as a Christmas tree. No one ever explained why this tradition was being upheld and I never asked. As an adult living in the Internet age, I am fascinated by the origins of many of the holiday traditions that my family and others held so dear without ever saying why.

Christmas wreaths are a popular decoration that can be found on the front door or windows of many homes, businesses, or churches during the holiday season. You might also see them in various locations throughout your city or downtown area. The back story of why people hang wreaths has an interesting origin pertaining to how it came into being and has transitioned over the decades.

Wreath, is derived from the word “writhen” which is an old English word that means “to twist” or“to writhe.” The art of hanging wreaths during Christmas is said to have first originated from the early Romans. They hung wreaths on their doors as a sign of victory in battle and of their status in society. Pagans were said to have used wreaths during their solstice rituals. The ancient Druids, Celts, and Romans hung wreaths during December to symbolize the continuing cycle of life that begins after the Winter Solstice and the shortest day of the year December 21.

Romans during this time gave gifts of green branches on New Year's Day, bestowing the wish for health and vigor upon their family and friends. During the classical era (6 BC-8 AD) is when the branches were shaped and twisted into wreaths, as symbols of joy and victory.

I recall a time when a wreath was placed on a door after someone died. I thought it was due to mourning and being sad but during my research, I found that early Christians used to place an evergreen wreath on a door when a loved one died to emphasize they believed the spirit of the departed lived on eternally. This suggests the gesture was more a sign of hope rather than sorrow

The evergreen wreath later became a Christian symbol for Christ's suffering and ultimate triumph over death. The holly wreath, with its sharp, pointed leaves, is believed to have first represented the crown of thorns worn by Christ on the cross. The red berries symbolized the drops of blood that came from his head. Wreaths were later formed from a variety of trees including the pine and fir trees. Evergreens were a symbol of eternal life.

Early Christians considered the pagan activities during the Winter Solstice to be lasciviousness and debauchery. They made a decision to celebrate the birth of Christ on December 25 in an attempt to stop the Solstice celebrations. They never said that He was born on this date but over time people began saying Christmas was His birth date. Ironically the same people who were against the pagan festival began copying some of their traditions. Mistletoe, Christmas trees, yule logs, and holly wreaths became a part of the December 25 observance.

Whether hung on the door or a window, the wreath has been viewed as an invitation to the "spirit of Christmas" to enter the home and bring luck. Some have even suggested that the Christmas spirit dwells within the wreaths. For many today the wreath is nothing more than decorative and is devoid of any of the earlier meanings.

There are homes where wreaths hang on the door year-round and symbolize individuality, creativity, and self-expression. I know many people who go to the craft stores and purchase what they need to make the wreath of their choice to decorate their home. There is a local farmers market where you can purchase evergreen wreaths before during and after Christmas. The ones for the holiday have ribbons and or the red holly berries. Today the wreaths you see in December can be real or artificial as well as come in various shapes, sizes, and colors.