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The History of Wreaths

© Vickie Ferguson

For this article, I thought I'd gather a little information about wreaths. Did you know the use of wreaths goes back to ancient cultures such as Persia, Rome and Greece? A wreath was called a diadem, from the Greek word diadema, meaning "a thing bound around." Diadems were bands of fabric worn to symbolize royalty. During the Greek Olympics, wreaths were made of various leaves, such as olive and laurel, and given as prizes. The olive tree became the symbol for peace and we've all heard the phrase "to earn your laurels." The Romans shunned the idea of wearing diadems but retained a fascination and soon the upper classes were wearing garlands of oak leaves and laurel. The head wreaths soon became symbols of military astuteness and athletic ability. And as we've all seen in the movies and history books, when Julius Caesar was crowned, it was with a wreath of fresh laurel.

Other countries soon took notice of the diadems and designed head wreaths of their own utilizing metals and precious jewels. Eventually "crowns" were created, the ornate type that we associate with royalty. Just to tie it all together, the word crown derives from the Latin word corona, which means garland or wreath.

Today, wreaths are used as holiday adornments, as attractive welcoming decorations for our front doors, even as center pieces. If you are planning to make your own wreath or purchase retail, below is a sample listing of some wreath styles you may be interested in:

1. Dried Flower
2. Wild Vine
3. Harvest
4. Scented
5. Herbal
6. Evergreen
7. Holiday
8. Table
9. Floral
10. Fabric

As you can see, wreaths come in a variety of styles. Depending on the style you select will also help determine the type of wreath base. The base is the most important part of any wreath, whether it is your creation or one purchased. Types of bases include grapevine, willow, straw, vine, Styrofoam, wire, moss and specialty bases. If you are creating the wreath, ask yourself these 3 questions: 1) How will the elements, (ex. Flowers, pinecones, ornaments) be attached to the wreath base 2) How heavy are the items being attached to the wreath 3) Will the base itself be part of the overall wreath design. Snippet: always choose a base that will compliment your creation.

If purchasing retail, check for quality and sturdiness of the wreath. Look at the wreath itself. Are there enough items attached. Does the wreath look full or are there sparse areas. Were the items used to create the style of the wreath of acceptable quality. If a wire or Styrofoam base was used, make sure it is completely covered. These are just a few suggestions to help you make a good selection and get your money's worth.