Flower wreath
A wreath of flowers is a wreath-shaped flower arrangement that can either be used as an ornament in the house or worn as jewelry on the body. In particular, the Polynesian lei flower wreaths are known through the ritual as a welcome gift in Hawaii . In Western cultures, flower wreaths are particularly worn by women (e.g. as bridal jewelry ).
History of the flower wreaths
The first wreaths were woven as early as the 5th century BC. The traditional laurel wreaths, for example, were used as a wreath at the Delphi Games in ancient Greece . The winner of the Olympic Games received an oak wreath as an honor. Even today, wreaths adorn badges and certificates of honor as symbols. These first wreaths, however, were woven from the green or evergreen branches of trees and non-flowering plants. Flowers as a decorative element were mainly used by young girls in their wreaths. These were already worn by the Teutons on high holidays or seasonal changes as jewelry in their hair. With the spread of Christianity and the suppression or reinterpretation of pagan holidays, the importance of the flower wreath in Europe was lost again. That only changed after the French Revolution , when flower arrangements and flower gifts became fashionable again. The Evangelical Lutheran theologian Johann Hinrich Wichern introduced a special form of the wreath at the beginning of the 19th century: to make it easier for children to wait for Christmas, he invented the Advent wreath , at that time still decorated with 24 candles, which lead the way from December 1st symbolized until Christmas Day.
Use and meaning
Today, floral wreaths are mainly used for two purposes: On the one hand, they serve as decorative house and room decorations, for example as a door wreath. On the other hand it adorns people, whereby it has a special symbolic power. The main uses are:
- Wedding wreath: As a door decoration on the front door of the bride and groom or in the bride's hair, the flowers express innocence and youthfulness.
- Funeral wreath: The round shape of the wreath without end and beginning symbolizes infinity, the green color the hope for an afterlife and a reunion with relatives in the afterlife.
- Polynesian Lei Wreaths: Wrapped around the necks of visitors to Hawaii, they symbolize hospitality and pleasure.
For wreaths that are hung as jewelry in the apartment or on doors, the meaning differs depending on the season: With them, too, the round shape stands for infinity and the eternal cycle of the seasons. Traditionally, they are decorated with fruits and berries in autumn to thank for a rich harvest. In winter, according to popular belief, evergreen branches such as yew, spruce, boxwood, arborvitae and holly should drive away demons and witches. Mistletoe has been considered to conquer the darkness since Celtic times and is therefore still used today in wintry floral wreaths. Decorative wreaths adorned with flowers welcome spring and summer.