The ancient Romans used ornamental wreaths as a victory sign
Many think that
this is when hanging of wreaths upon doors originated. A special category of
wreath, often labeled an Advent Wreaths, is employed to denote the passing of
four Sundays in the Christianity Advent season. Also they are used as a festive
type of headdress as apparel in ceremonial proceedings in numerous cultures
around the world The Advent wreath beginnings are found within the Germanic
pre-Christian peoples folk practices who, during Eastern Europe's cold December
darkness, gathered evergreen wreaths and lit fires as symbols of hope for the
coming spring with it's renewed light.
Christians are the ones who kept these popular customs going, and beginning with
the 16th century Protestants and Catholics all through Germany employed these
symbols to commemorate the Advent hope they had in Christ, the light
everlasting. And from Germany using the Advent wreath broadened onto other
Christian world regions. Customarily, the wreath is created with four candles
within an evergreen circle while a fifth candle is placed in the center. Three
of the candles are violet while the fourth one is rose, although four violet
candles or four white candles can be used also. At home. each day, the candles
are lit, prior to the evening supper-- one candle for the first week, with
another for each succeeding week up to December 25th. A brief prayer often
accompanies the lighting of every one of the candles. The last candle to be lit
is the one in the middle. Lighting of this last candle occurs during Christmas
Eve. It symbolizes the rebirth of Jesus Christ.
Typically a wreath is made from assorted leaves, flowers, twigs, fruits,
including various other materials that are made up to remind one of a ring.
These wreaths are most often used as decorations of Christmas in the celebration
of Christ's birth.. Wreaths have s great deal of history and symbolism connected
with them. Typically they are made up of evergreens and are a symbol of strength, because evergreens last all throughout the most harsh winters. Bay laurel is also often used, while these wreaths are simply called laurel wreath
Dec 14, 2012
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