Christmas wreath is one of the important symbols of Christmas. Like the poinsettia and Christmas tree Christmas wreaths not only bring the festival of Christmas alive but also add as a special decoration piece for the Christmas festivities. The history of Christmas wreaths dates back to around 776 BC. Yet it still remains as an essential part of our Christmas celebrations.
The use of wreaths was first seen in the Greeks as they placed the wreaths as laurels on the heads of victorious athletics. Slowly the use of wreaths spread to different parts of the world and the pre-Christian Germanic folk people used the advent wreath. They used these wreaths as a symbol of the coming springs and as a new beginning.
The Christians also followed and kept these traditions alive and by the beginning of the 16th century both Catholics and Protestants throughout Germany used the Christmas wreath to welcome their Advent hope in Christ. From then onwards Christmas wreath spread to different parts of the world.
Traditional Christmas Wreaths
A traditional Christmas wreath is made of four candles that are placed in a circle of evergreens along with a fifth candle that is placed in the center. Amongst these, three candles are in violet and the fourth is rose. But in case this is not the arrangement then four white candles or four violet candles can also be used.
For every week before the Christmas one candle is lit before the evening meal. There is also a short prayer that is said as each candle is lit. The last candle to be lit is the middle candle. The lighting of this middle candle of the Christmas wreath happens on the Christmas Eve representing the birth of Jesus Christ.
Artificial Christmas Wreath
Today the concept of Christmas wreath has changed to a large extent. It is now mostly used as a part of the Christmas decorations and due to this artificial Christmas wreath is a popular choice today. There are different kinds of artificial Christmas wreaths and they can be used and re-used year after year. These wreaths also come in different colors and not only in the usual green color.
Christmas Wreath Decoration and Ornaments
Christmas wreath decoration is something that is there in every house and shopping mall as the festival time comes close. These wreaths are made for the decoration purpose and come in different shapes and sizes. When the wreaths have to be used as ornaments then also one can go for lighted Christmas wreaths or even fresh Christmas wreaths.
So this year as the Christmas once more knocks on our doors let’s give the Christmas wreaths its original place and lightened our world with the advent wreaths.
