As many holiday traditions continue, the Christmas wreath remains one of the long-lasting and significant traditions of our society. 

The beloved wreaths we have today have a strong correlation to the Christmas tree tradition. Time suggests, “The custom of bringing evergreens home during the winter began in the 16th century among northern and eastern Europeans.” During the Christmas tree growth process, pruning is necessary, allowing for many limbs to be salvaged. Instead of throwing the pieces of the forest away, the Europeans wove them into a wreath-like form. Time also states, “It was important to trim the trees into the shape of a triangle, to represent the Trinity.” 

Another origin of the wreath tradition dates back to the times of Ancient Greece and Rome. The wreath would be associated as an emblem of victory and power. Athletes who succeeded wore a crown of olives, laurel, wild celery, and pine. 

For Christians, the holiday tradition of the wreath represents eternity in heaven. To give further context, Time adds, “It is also a representation of faith, as Christians in Europe often placed a candle on the wreath during Advent to symbolize the light that Jesus brought into the world.” This then led to the tradition of the Advent wreath, which was implemented into communities during the early 19th century. 

While we hang our wreaths during this Christmas season, let’s remember the significant athletes, rulers, and farmers who invented the wreath with much pride.