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Every year I look forward to the holidays and seeing all of the beautiful decorations people use to celebrate the season. You can see our street a mile away as everyone decorates their home with colored lights both inside and out. Some have the big inflatable decorations (and I swear they are getting bigger every year) and others have the plastic Santa sleigh and reindeer or some other figurine sitting in the front yard. Every home has its own unique style of decorating, but one thing I noticed they all have in common is the wreaths hanging on the front door.
The wreath is a popular Christmas decoration that has different meanings depending on which style you choose. Of course, many of the modern designs are used purely for decorative purposes and they do add a touch of color to your home. Historically, hanging a door wreath has its roots in several different religions and cultures. If you ask around, you’ll probably get different answers and varying stories about Christmas or holiday wreaths and why we hang them on our doors.
Some people just think a wreath on the door is pretty, and it serves no other purpose beyond that. Some Christians believe that a wreath on the door is an invitation for Christ to come into their home. Others believe that the wreath represents Christ’s suffering. The wreath represents the thorns worn by Christ on the cross and the tiny red berries in many traditional wreaths represent the blood from when he was pierced by the thorns. The evergreen represents eternal life because Christians believe that Jesus rose after his crucifixion.
Some people believe it symbolized victory because the Romans hung them on their doors after a big win in battle. Some people say the wreath represents eternity (the circular shape means it is neverending) and that the evergreen can represent continued growth and life, even through the winter season.
The items you put into your wreath can also have symbolic meaning. For example, fir can represent traits such as strength, friendship, connection, memory, and immortality. Pine and pinecones can represent long life and prosperity, or good health and protection. Holly is symbolic of good luck, protection, and victory.
Whatever you believe when it comes to wreaths, it’s great to decorate for the season with something that makes you feel good. It’s a wonderful way to welcome people into your home, and just to show your holiday spirit, even from a distance. If you want to feel inspired by some great seasonal wreaths, I found a wonderful collection for you.
Stop by Deja Vue Designs to see a collection of 15 beautiful wreaths for the fall and winter holiday season you’re sure to love. She has found some great wreath examples from all over the internet, to represent all of the seasons and I think you’ll really love them. Maybe they will even inspire you a bit for your own wreath this year.
I love Christmas wreaths. Wish I could make one myself.
I love wreaths! I need to learn how to make them.