Wreaths and Greenery of New York
Drive through any town in New York State during the Christmas season, and you notice wreaths and greenery of many shapes and sizes adorning people’s homes. The Christmas Tree Farmers Association of New York boasts multiple National Grand Champion Wreath Maker Awards, and it’s no wonder why. The lush greens harvested from New York farms make for the most beautiful and fragrant of wreaths and greens.
When you choose your holiday greens and wreaths, make sure they are made in New York by New York State farmers!
History of the Wreath
Unlike the Christmas tree, the history of the wreath is a bit harder to follow. Many ancient traditions discussed how people twisted branches into the shape of a diadem, or circle, to adorn doors, tables, and people. Wreaths were a design used in ancient times in Southern Europe, specifically by the Etruscan civilization, which ruled the area of modern-day Tuscany. The pieces were jewelry made of gold and other precious metals and used most specifically during coronations of royalty, leaders, and athletes. The symbol of the wreath was also stamped on coins.
Evergreen wreaths were often used during funeral processions in ancient Greece. The evergreen was a symbol of everlasting life, and the dead were sent on to the after-life with prayer and hope that they would move on to the next life. Often, young girls would lead the procession with a wreath of white flowers signaling the purity of spirit.
The Christmas wreath has its origins in the practice of an Advent wreath from pre-Christian Germanic tradition. During the cold December dark of Eastern Europe, evergreen branches were twisted together in a circle to symbolize the cycle of the seasons. The Advent wreaths were set on fire as a sign of hope for the coming spring. Christians keep this popular tradition alive, and sometime during the 16th century, both Catholics and Protestants added candles and used the wreath in services. Three candles of violet and one of rose were lit in a succession of weeks at the start of the mass. A single white candle would be added to the center of the ring on Christmas Eve representing Jesus Christ’s birth.
Harvest wreaths of bendable twigs had decorated doors for many centuries, some for protection and others for simple decoration. In the 18th century, depictions of evergreen or fir wreaths adorning doors and windows began spreading. There is some proof that the tradition came over with the settlers, but the tradition didn’t gain popularity until the 1900s.
Today, the Christmas wreath is a melting pot of tradition and history as old as written time. Wreaths can be of any shape and size, including the shape of a cross, candy cane, or triangle, and they can be decorated with ornaments, flowers, moss, ribbons, pinecones, and any other themed items.