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| This Circle of Life Brings You Holiday Blessings |
WREATH
The history of the WREATH pre-dates Christianity by at least 1,000 years. It originated with the Romans and was worn as head- dress and placed on doors as a sign of victory. It meandered into Europe as part of the pagan celebrations of life during the cold and dark winter season. The WREATH was made of evergreen or holly representing the circle of life’s seasons and sturdiness of life. The WREATH was adorned with four candles representing the four elements, earth, wind, fire, and water. The WREATH served as a practicality giving light to the dark corners of the home as well as a symbolically reminding people that light would return and they were sturdy enough to endure. It was only after Christian’s co-opted the pagan rituals that the advent WREATH came into being. Also in Europe, WREATHS were used as a way of identifying one’s personal residence, similar to our street numbering system today. A European would say, “I am the house with the such and such WREATH on the door.” Thus this circle of unending life found its way into the everyday life of the people. Do you have a WREATH on your door this holiday season? If so, how did you choose the one you have or did you make it? Think about the symbols you would like to have your WREATH represent. If you were to add one decorative item that represented something special to you this holiday, what would it be? Enjoy making your WREATH a bit more personal.
The history of the WREATH pre-dates Christianity by at least 1,000 years. It originated with the Romans and was worn as head- dress and placed on doors as a sign of victory. It meandered into Europe as part of the pagan celebrations of life during the cold and dark winter season. The WREATH was made of evergreen or holly representing the circle of life’s seasons and sturdiness of life. The WREATH was adorned with four candles representing the four elements, earth, wind, fire, and water. The WREATH served as a practicality giving light to the dark corners of the home as well as a symbolically reminding people that light would return and they were sturdy enough to endure. It was only after Christian’s co-opted the pagan rituals that the advent WREATH came into being. Also in Europe, WREATHS were used as a way of identifying one’s personal residence, similar to our street numbering system today. A European would say, “I am the house with the such and such WREATH on the door.” Thus this circle of unending life found its way into the everyday life of the people. Do you have a WREATH on your door this holiday season? If so, how did you choose the one you have or did you make it? Think about the symbols you would like to have your WREATH represent. If you were to add one decorative item that represented something special to you this holiday, what would it be? Enjoy making your WREATH a bit more personal.
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