Where did Christmas Wreaths Come From?

As Christmas Interior Designers in Dallas, we are in the business of wreaths. Decking the halls with wreaths that sparkle with ornaments and are flocked with berries and sprays of flowers from Magnolia to the classic Poinsettia may seem to be a far stretch from the wreaths that adorned the olympians of Athens, but a look at history shows that they are not too far removed. Christmas wreaths that catch the eyes of passerby of our design clients today are attached to a rich history of symbolism and style

Olive branches were replaced by Laurel crowns at the Olympics and other sporting events. They were crafted from fragrant Bay Laurel, which symbolizes higher education (recognize the root word in honors such as the Poet Laureate and Baccalaureate?”) and the value of commitment and dedication; many currencies feature rulers like Caesar and Napoleon crowned with Laurel wreaths. In ancient Greek mythology, Apollo is depicted wearing a Laurel wreath.

Baker Design Group Christmas Interior Designer outdoor decor in Park Cities

History shows that wreaths are more than just decorations. The word “wreath” comes from the old English word “writhen,” meaning to writhe or twist. The art of hanging wreaths on a front door is said to have originated from the Romans who hung their wreaths outside as decoration as a sign of status or victory. They most likely hung the wreaths they took home from sporting events on their front doors.

— In Ancient Greece, beginning in 776 BC, victors of athletic competitions were crowned with Laurel.

— Olympic medals are still engraved with Laurel today (see Rio 2016 medal featured above).

— Romans hang wreaths on their doorways.

— Women wore wreaths as headdresses and donned them during special events like weddings.

— It is said that in the early days in Europe, people hung wreaths on their doors to identify their home, the way house numbers do today. Each house would have a different wreath made of bright flowers, usually grown in the homeowner’s garden.

— Today, wreaths can be symbolic if you choose, and always beautiful! We are glad that the tradition of hanging a wreath on the doorway has not gone away. What a cheery accessory to Christmas interior design we would be missing out on.

Baker Design Group Christmas Interior Designer outdoor decor in Park Cities

Evolving into Christmas decoration, the wreath takes on symbolic meaning: The circle shape of the Christmas design wreath represents Christ’s eternal love, His strength, and the creation of new life. Evergreens are commonly used in the construction of the wreath due to their heartiness throughout harsh winters and that they denote strength and life!

In Advent wreaths the candle’s meaning are 1) Penance and Expectation (with three purple candles) and 2) Coming Joy (with one pink candle). The four Sundays preceding Christmas day are embodied by these four candles, lit each Friday of Advent.

No matter what they mean to you today, Christmas wreaths are undoubtedly a beautiful decoration that enhances your home or office for your Dallas holiday interior design!