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Wreaths were used for celebratory purposes as far back as in the cultures of
ancient Persia (modern-day Iran). They were then called diadems, after the
Greek word "diadema" meaning "a thing bound around".
Almost all cultures have valued trees as symbols of celestial energy and
bounty, so arrangements of branches and sprigs have always had positive
secular and religious meanings. For example, wreaths made of holly, brought
indoors during winter, sheltered spirits of the woods from cold. A woman
signaled her acceptance of a suitor with a crown of birch, and showed her
rejection of him with a crown of hazel. And, because a circle represents
eternity, wreaths came to be used as part of funeral observances. Think
rosemary for remembrance and evergreen for life everlasting.
The St. Lucia crown is a wonderful wreath that is central to the Feast of
St.Lucia (advent of Christmas) in Scandinavian countries. Before dawn on 13
December, the youngest girl in a household puts on a head dress bearing
candles. She thus represents the winter solstice and the beginning of the
return of light. The St. Lucia crown is traditionally made of bilberry
twigs.
Wreaths made of organic herbs, dried flowers, seeds, and boughs are a great
way to bring the fragrance and color of the outdoors inside. Wreaths can
also be fabricated from sea shells, bread dough, wheat sheaves, and berries.
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