The History and Meaning of Holiday Wreaths
By Ilia Mundut
More and more people are using wreaths in both outdoor and indoor decor – and having them year-round. But these festive flourishes are especially popular during the holidays. National Wreath Day is December 16, started by the Wreaths Across America initiative, which began in 1992 when a manufacturer donated 5,000 wreaths to be put on soldiers’ graves at Arlington National Cemetery. But there are many uses – and have been for centuries.
Wreaths in Ancient American Times
Wreaths are circular garlands of flowers, leaves, and vegetation historically used to express respect or celebration. They have a long history in many cultures, but they have a unique meaning in America dating back to the Revolutionary War.
The Revolutionary War
Patriots used laurel leaf wreaths to symbolize triumph and glory during the American Revolution. The ancient Greeks and Romans wore them and gave them to the winners of athletic and artistic competitions.
Some of the most prominent Revolutionary War personalities, like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, were shown with laurel wreaths on their paintings and coins.
The Civil War
In this period, they were used to memorialize dead troops and adorn their graves during the Civil War. Both sides of the fight utilized wreaths made of various materials and colors to demonstrate their devotion and sadness.
Union troops, for example, utilized evergreen ones with blue ribbons, whereas Confederate forces used magnolias with crimson ribbons. They were also put on monuments and memorials to honor the war’s sacrifices.
The 20th century
Wreaths grew increasingly popular as a festive adornment for Christmas and other holidays in the twentieth century. Weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, and inaugurations were also utilized to commemorate significant events and accomplishments.
They were also used to symbolize different groups’ and movements’ principles and aspirations. For example, the Women’s Suffrage Movement utilized purple, white, and gold ones to symbolize their quest for voting rights.
Why do Americans have wreaths on their front doors?
Americans hang wreaths on their front doors for various reasons, the most important of which is to recognize and celebrate their history and culture. They are circular garlands used as symbols of triumph, glory, and revelry since antiquity.
They have a unique meaning in America, dating back to the Revolutionary War, when patriots donned laurel wreaths to symbolize their freedom and fortitude. These decorations also have a patriotic connotation for Americans since they are used to honor the service and sacrifice of soldiers and heroes.
One of the most well-known instances is the Wreaths Across America initiative.
Since then, the initiative has developed into a countrywide movement involving thousands of volunteers and sponsors who place wreaths at over 1,000 sites nationwide and overseas each December.
Wreaths convey thanks, respect, and admiration for people who have impacted the nation’s history and identity.
The Symbolism of Wreaths in American Culture
They are often created from various materials, each with its own symbolic meaning.
Evergreens
Evergreen Wreaths signify everlasting life and natural continuity. This is because they remain green all year, even in severe winters. Evergreen wreaths have been used since ancient times, when they were put on doors and windows to fend off bad spirits at the winter solstice.
They are still utilized for holiday decorating today, particularly during the Christmas and winter holidays, since they signify the season’s lasting character and the prospect of regeneration.
Flowers
Flowers are another favorite wreath element; each flower species has its own meaning. Roses, for example, symbolize love and passion, while lilies indicate purity and innocence. Conversely, sunflowers relate to joy and prosperity, making them a popular option for autumn wreaths.
Some are solely formed of flowers, while others combine flowers with other elements like evergreens or ribbons. Whatever flowers are chosen, they add a touch of beauty and meaning to every wreath.
Other Symbolic Elements
Other symbolic components, such as ribbons, bows, and decorations, may also be integrated into them. These pieces may signify a particular festival or event, for example, red and green ribbons for Christmas or orange and black ribbons for Halloween.
Add ornaments such as bells or snowflakes to increase the aesthetic value of Christmas wreaths. Some ones may also incorporate personal items like seashells or pinecones collected on a memorable trip.
These features may give the item a particular touch and make it more important to the homeowner. In conclusion, wreaths are flexible ornamental objects that may use various materials and symbolic components to represent various themes and emotions.
Modern Uses of Wreaths in American Culture
These decorations have become a standard decoration in American households, particularly during the holiday season. They are frequently displayed on front doors to announce the advent of a specific holiday or season.
For example, Christmas wreaths are typically crafted from evergreen branches and adorned with red ribbons, pinecones, and other embellishments. In contrast, Halloween ones are frequently made of black and orange ribbons or decorated with eerie elements such as bats and spirits.
In addition to their decorative function, wreaths commemorate significant events and honor departed loved ones. Often displayed at funerals and other solemn occasions, memorial wreaths may be adorned with flowers or decorations in the deceased’s favorite colors.
In the United States, garlands are frequently used to commemorate military personnel, especially on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. These may contain patriotic symbols such as flags and stars and are frequently placed at war memorials and other significant locations.
Gifts or decorations for special occasions, such as marriages or anniversaries, are additional applications. As many of them are handcrafted and sold at craft festivals and markets, they also provide an opportunity to support local businesses and artisans.
Additionally, they can add a touch of foliage and nature to a room or outdoor space, even when no special occasion is present.
How to Determine a Wreath’s Meaning
Reefs can have various symbolic meanings depending on factors such as the time of year and the colors and styles used. Here are some methods to determine the significance:
Time of year
The season can be an important indicator of a wreath’s significance. For instance, a wreath with red and green hues, ornaments, and ribbons is a Christmas one. If it has pastel hues and spring blooms such as daffodils and tulips, it is an Easter wreath.
Likewise, a wreath with black and orange hues and frightening decorations, such as bats and spiders, is a Halloween one.
Color and Style
The colors and design of a wreath can also provide insight into its significance. For example, a wreath of crimson roses may represent love and passion, while a wreath of white lilies may represent purity and innocence.
One with blue and silver hues may symbolize winter or the holidays, whereas a wreath with vibrant, vivid hues may symbolize a festive occasion.
Wreaths made exclusively of feathers or seashells can represent nature and the ocean, for example.
- A wreath composed of only white flowers and foliage may represent purity and new beginnings, making it a popular choice for weddings and the start of a new year.
- A wreath adorned with blue and white hues and snowflakes can represent winter or the holiday season, making it an ideal ornament for Christmas or Hanukkah.
- A red, white, and blue wreath adorned with stars may symbolize patriotism, making it appropriate for Independence Day or Memorial Day.
- A wreath with black and purple hues and bats, spiders, and skulls is a popular Halloween decoration, symbolizing the eerie and enigmatic aspects of the holiday.
Final Words
Wreaths have a long history and symbolic meaning in American culture and are used for ornamental and memorial reasons.
They can express emotions and meanings via their colors, styles, and materials, whether placed on front doors or used to commemorate loved ones and occasions.
Note: Hefty Berry Stores is a place I often recommend for inexpensive creatively composed wreaths. Their writer Ilia Mundut did such a lovely job of sharing the history of the wreath, that I wanted to share. The circular shape of wreaths symbolizes love and continuity. But wreaths are also personal reflections so have fun making your own too each year. Or buy one and embellish. The options are limitless and add to your family’s traditions and memories.