The Christmas Wreath

The use of Christmas wreaths is believed by authorities to be traceable to the pagan customs of decorating buildings and places of worship at the feast which took place at the same time as Christmas. For some it symbolizes the strength of life overcoming the forces of winter. Back in ancient Rome, people used decorative wreaths as a sign of victory. Some believe that this is where the hanging of wreaths on doors came from. Since these times, many wreaths have been made. Some are made for crafts, others for purely decoration, and yet others have much deeper meanings. Below are some good examples:

1. Advent Wreaths

The origins of the Advent wreath are found in the folk practices of the pre-Christian Germanic peoples who, during the cold December darkness of Eastern Europe, gathered wreaths of evergreen and lighted fires as signs of hope in a coming spring and renewed light.
Christians kept these popular traditions alive, and by the 16th century Catholics and Protestants throughout Germany used these symbols to celebrate their Advent hope in Christ, the everlasting Light. From Germany the use of the Advent wreath spread to other parts of the Christian world.
Traditionally, the wreath is made of four candles in a circle of evergreens with a fifth candle in the middle. Three candles are violet and the fourth is rose, but four white candles or four violet candles can also be used. Each day at home, the candles are lighted, perhaps before the evening meal-- one candle the first week, and then another each succeeding week until December 25th. A short prayer may accompany the lighting of each candle. The last candle is the middle candle. The lighting of this candle takes place on Christmas Eve. It represents Jesus Christ being born.
2. Decoratory/Craft Wreaths

Wreaths that are made for crafts and decoration have a different purpose than other types of wreaths. Usually they are made for just decoration, like in the same way christmas lights are used. They usually give a house the finishing look or the finishing touch. They give the house the extra little Christmas feeling. They are usually made out of evergreen leaves which again symbolize life throughout the tough winters. In some cultures, the wreaths are studded with nuts, fruits, and berries in order that over-wintering birds might find nourishment through these bleak, cold days.
3. Esoteric Interpretations

The wreath has significant meaning for the season. It's circular shape represents eternity, for it has no beginning and no end. From a Christian religious perspective, it represents an unending circle of life. It also is archetypal of God, a Being without beginning of days or end of years. The evergreen, most frequently used in making wreathes, symbolizes growth and everlasting life. Holly branches have thorns. When used in a wreath it represents the thorn on Jesus' crown when he was crucified. Bright red holly berries symbolize Jesus' blood that was shed as he died.

Whatever our particular creeds or beliefs, we can surely unite at this time in the spirit of brotherly love, assistance to our fellow men who need us, and in our prayers for a better world in 2009 and a fervent hope for peace on earth. On behalf of the Officers and Staff of the Valley of Huntsville, may each of you have a joyous holiday season and a blessed new year!