The Christmas Wreath

The Christmas wreath’s origin was pre-Christianity, according to some.  Wreaths were hung on the doors during Roman times to celebrate a victory.  Perhaps, victory and hope together brought the Christmas wreath to the world of Christianity.  Early Germanic peoples used wreaths as a sign of hope.  During the winter months they would gather evergreens and form a wreath to hang on the door in anticipation of Spring.  Representing the hope of new life, wreaths made a natural transition to the Christian world.

The birth of Jesus offered hope to the world.  Adopting the custom of anticipating new life and new hope, Christians began hanging evergreen wreaths on doors as a symbol.  According to some, during Advent Christians would decorate the wreath with four candles.  One for each week leading up to Advent with the center candle being lit on Christmas Eve.

Today the Christmas wreath has become a tradition, although few may know the history.  As holiday decorations have become a part of the Christian celebration, hanging a wreath on the front door is a statement of one’s religious beliefs, welcoming all who come into a season of hope and new life.