The History of
the Christmas Wreath
A Christmas Wreath hanging from a front door is the
first sign of Christmas. While we all love them, few of us really
understand the history of the Christmas wreath.
Well it all started with the Persians. They
created diadems, which were much smaller versions of our present day wreath and
used them as hats and wristbands. Wreaths did not begin showing up on
walls and doors until Greek times. Athletes were given a wreath crown as a
prize for winning. Just like today's ribbons that we display on the wall
after we win them, these athletes would hand their wreath crown on their wall or
door as a sign of pride for their accomplishments.
The history of the Advent Christmas Wreath sprang from
these Persian roots. During the cold winter December of pre-Christian
Germania, people would create rings of garland and light fires in anticipation
of the coming spring. After the crusaders conquered the Germanic people,
the Christian settlers kept this tradition alive to integrate Christianity into
the Germanic culture.
Later, Catholics and Protestants alike used the Advent
Christmas Wreath to celebrate the Advent (or arrival) of Christ into the world.
There this symbol evolved into today's advent wreath which has four circular
candles placed in a wreath with a center candle the focal point. Each
outer candle is lit in the four weeks preceding Christmas day. The center candle
is lit on Christmas day as a sign of the advent of Christ.
So, although the history of the Christmas wreath began
as a pagan tradition, it is commonly accepted as a symbol of Christmas by
Christians all over the world.
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