All You Have To Know About Floral Wreaths

A wreath is a circle-shaped arrangement of flowers, leaves, fruits, twigs, or other natural materials. Wreaths are commonly used as household ornaments in many countries, most notably as advent and Christmas decorations.

These find application in different parts of the world on other occasions.  They can also be worn as a chaplet around the head or as a neck garland and placed on a grave. So, lets explore more about these beautiful assortment of flowers.

Historical Perspective

A wreath was a popular design in ancient southern Europe. Etruscan civilization jewelry made of gold or other precious metals is the most well-known example e. Symbols from ancient mythology are frequently featured in the designs, which are made of metals embedded at the ends of the wreath.

According to ancient Roman writers, Etruscan corona subtilis were garlanded with leaves sewn onto a background. These wreaths are made to look like diadems, with thin metal leaves attached to an ornamental band.

Floral Wreaths can also be found imprinted on Etruscan medallions. Ivy, oak, olive leaves, myrtle, laurel, wheat, and vines are among the plants used to make wreaths in Etruscan jewelry.

Etruscan rulers wore Floral Wreaths as crowns. Ancient civilizations continued to use Etruscan symbolism, and Roman magistrates wore golden wreaths as crowns to symbolize their ancestry back to Rome’s early Etruscan rulers.

In addition to a golden wreath crown, Roman magistrates used several other prominent Etruscan symbols, for example, a loose flowering garment, fasces, a curule chair, and wooden rods.

What is a Wreath Laying Ceremony

A wreath-laying ceremony is a custom in which funeral wreaths are placed at a grave or memorial site. It is done as a formal expression of respect for a specific tribute, and these are formal occasions attended by high-ranking dignitaries such as heads of state. When Floral Wreaths are placed, the person who puts them takes a few steps back to bow or salute the memorial. Bugle calls such as “Last Post,” “Taps,” and “Sunset” are played during military wreath-laying ceremonies.

Types of Wreath 

• Corpus Christi Wreath

On the eve of Corpus Christi, Christian clergy (primarily from the Roman Catholic, Lutheran, and Anglican traditions) bless flower-filled Corpus Christi Floral Wreaths are used. Wreaths and bouquets are frequently affixed to flags and banners, houses, and the green bough arches that span the streets.

These Floral Wreaths are suspended on walls or displayed on doors and windows in Christian homes. Corpus Christi wreaths are also “hung in gardens, fields, and pastures, along with a prayer for protection and blessing on the growing harvest.”

• Funeral and Memorial Wreaths

Wreaths have been used to represent a circle of eternal life at funerals for a long time. Evergreen Floral Wreaths were placed at the graves of early Christian virgin martyrs in Europe, the evergreen representing the victory of the eternal spirit over death.

For the funerals of “young maidens,” a wreath custom existed. A young woman of her age would lead the funeral procession, carrying a wreath of white flowers representing the deceased’s purity and praying that the departed soul find ease in the life hereafter.

During Memorial Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies, wreaths are commonly placed at soldiers’ graves and memorial cenotaphs. Wreaths are also used to commemorate those who died at sea, whether in an accident or due to naval action. The wreath is lowered to the water and set adrift during a memorial service at sea.

• Harvest Wreaths

Harvest wreaths are an ancient European tradition, now a popular household decoration. Harvest wreaths have been made in Europe since ancient times and are associated with animistic spiritual beliefs.

The harvest wreath was a sacred amulet in ancient civilizations, made of wheat or other harvested plants and woven with red and white wool thread. The harvest wreath would be hung by the front door all year.

Conclusion

Floral Wreaths can be used to serve a variety of purposes. You can use it as a garland, decorating material in festivals, and placed on someone’s grave. Make sure that while you purchase them, you go for the ones with fresh flowers and brilliant quality. Wreaths are a substance for special occasions, so there is no room for any lapse while dealing with them.