Christmas Wreath Traditions

A bit of historical background about Christmas wreaths

The giving of wreaths at Christmas goes back to Roman times. The wreath was an early Roman and Greek symbol of victory. Soon it began to figure in Christianity. When Christ was crowned with thorny holly branches, the white berries changed to blood red. As people began to use the symbolic wreath at Christmas time, a lighted candle was placed in the center of the wreath to remind people of the new light of the world: Jesus, born on Christmas Day.

Evergreens were used in wreaths as a symbol of immortality, because the boughs would stay green when all else was brown and dead. Evergreens were thought to possess magical properties and were a sign of enduring life.

Even our primitive forefathers brought in green branches during the winter solstice, and used them in magical rites to ensure the return of spring and new vegetation.

In the United Kingdom, the Christmas wreath is a symbol of the spirit of Christmas. Beginning in December, many people decorate their homes with wreaths from a local florist or market, usually adorned in the seasonal colors of green, red, and gold. Traditionally, UK residents hang Christmas wreaths on the inside or outside of the home’s entrance.