by Ranger Doug Sousa  

 

Classical Origins 

The earliest known use of wreaths dates back to the 7th century B.C., namely ancient Greece and Rome. In these classical societies, wreaths were woven from leaves, flowers, and branches to symbolize victory, power, and achievements. 

Crowns for Athletes, Military Leaders, and Poets 

Greek athletes who triumphed at the Olympic Games were often crowned with olive wreaths, an homage to Zeus, the king of the gods. We, too, have olive trees here in Sycamore Grove. I have regrettably not made any wreaths in homage to Zeus, however. In Rome, laurel wreaths became a mark of military success and political prestige. Emperors, generals, and poets alike wore them as symbols of glory and wisdom. 

Endless Cycles 

Even the circular shape of these early wreaths held its own meaning. Meanings often attributed to its shape were believed to be eternity and perfection, mirroring the endless cycle of life and nature. 

Religious & Seasonal Meanings 

As centuries passed, wreaths took on new religious and seasonal meanings. In pre-Christian Europe, people used evergreen branches to craft winter wreaths as symbols of hope and renewal during the darkest time of the year. Evergreens, which stayed vibrant through the cold, represented life’s resilience against death. Some of these pagan cultures used wreaths of evergreen boughs during winter solstice celebrations to symbolize the return of the sun and the hope of spring. 

The Advent Wreath 

With the rise of Christianity, the wreath was adopted into new traditions. By the 16th century, Germans began using Advent wreaths, circular arrangements of evergreens with candles to count down the weeks until Christmas. Originally attributed to the Lutherans, its use quickly spread to other Christian denominations. Each candle represented one of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas Day, and the wreath’s unbroken circle came to symbolize eternal life. 

Castle and Home Decoration 

The Victorian era in the 19th century gave wreaths a new decorative purpose. Queen Victoria’s reign popularized elaborate floral designs, and wreaths became a staple of home decor—not just for holidays but also for memorials and celebrations. 

Funeral wreaths, often made of laurel, ivy, or myrtle, symbolized eternal remembrance and mourning. Meanwhile, Christmas wreaths—crafted with ribbons, holly, and pinecones—became a central part of festive displays, often hung on doors to welcome guests and good fortune. 

The Ukrainian Vinok 

In Ukrainian culture, the traditional flower wreath, or vinok, is a part of national dress worn by girls and unmarried women on festive occasions, often weddings. They symbolize purity, fertility, and protection from evil spirits. Usually made with ribbon and wax flowers, these traditional headdresses predate the Christianization of the Rus’ people. 

Universal Symbol 

Today, wreaths are a universal symbol found in many forms and cultures. They are used to celebrate, honor, and remember. They appear in weddings, graduations, funerals, and national ceremonies. Christmas wreaths adorn doors and mantels as emblems of joy and hospitality, while harvest wreaths celebrate agricultural abundance with grains and dried flowers. On a more somber note, Memorial wreaths mark graves and ceremonies, symbolizing eternal honor, while spring wreaths celebrate renewal and growth, often decorated with bright blossoms. 

From minimalist modern designs that adorn the covers of home decor magazines to traditional evergreen circles, wreaths continue to bridge the ancient and the contemporary, carrying forward a message of everlasting life. The enduring popularity of wreaths lies in their simplicity and timeless symbolism. Across millennia and cultures, their circular form reminds us of unity, continuity, and the natural cycles of ourselves and the land we call home. 

Create Your Own Wreath at the Park on December 14th, 12-2 pm. 

Ranger Doug will lead a wreath-making program here in Sycamore Grove Park!

Register here to embark on a timeless human tradition of meaning and beauty.