![Floom Wreath History 1](https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom-wreath-history-1_181126_191933.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1440&s=92dc648071cdb2640512ef049f052e88 1440w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom-wreath-history-1_181126_191933.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1000&s=28f5fa3ee6adec13009adf9081310c14 1000w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom-wreath-history-1_181126_191933.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=600&s=1c43183f6082f7d46e26f222996887af 600w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom-wreath-history-1_181126_191933.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=400&s=3d86d5028d2393b5f48dc4dde52154d3 400w)
Early Beginnings
As with most traditions, there are two schools of thought when it comes to the history of the all-too-familiar festive wreath. The first believes that the wreath originated in ancient Greece and Rome, where members of the Greco-Roman society would hand-craft ring-shaped decorations called “coronas” from fresh leaves, branches, twigs, fruits and flowers, before hanging them on their door as a symbol of victory. The second says that in Christianity, a wreath was used to symbolise Christ – its circular shape representative of eternity or never ending life. In Christianity, wreaths are typically adorned with four candles, three on the exterior and one in the middle, the latter of which is lit on Christmas Eve to mark the arrival of the Light of the World, Jesus Christ. Meanwhile, it became tradition in the early 19th century to lay evergreens shaped into wreaths or crosses on graves to honour the dead.
![Floom Wreath History 2](https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom-wreath-history-2.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1440&s=b9b715007c61d34238714e03bb04194c 1440w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom-wreath-history-2.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1000&s=a45826a9e4ce2604594b0460cb60368c 1000w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom-wreath-history-2.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=600&s=cbc9fbbecf39ba1e72ffc99869bdd15d 600w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom-wreath-history-2.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=400&s=e886ce1147e88b7fcd332531958bdad9 400w)
Circular Structure
It’s believed that the wreath’s circular structure stems back to the "coronas" that the ancient Romans wore on their heads during festivals, or to honour the warriors following arduous battles. Although “coronas” of the golden variety were only worn by royalty, or to commemorate the gods. Meanwhile, the word “wreath” itself derives from the English word “writhen” meaning to twist, such as in a circle, and its evergreen branches are said to be symbolic of the everlasting life of earth.
![Floom Wreath History 3](https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom-wreath-history-3.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1440&s=70189ad32038b94b5f2d2eb52313afbe 1440w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom-wreath-history-3.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1000&s=d683eb72515d91e1ce7e052caa7fa859 1000w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom-wreath-history-3.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=600&s=83ea05386478e80a91c2a2aa906d2cd3 600w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/floom-wreath-history-3.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=400&s=b6d4a302d338664c4363c90dcf7717a9 400w)
Which Wreath?
Whichever your school of thought, whatever your religious beliefs – an evergreen wreath is the perfect way to dress your front door for the festive season, while giving new guests a warm (fresh scented) welcome. If you’re more of a traditionalist, we suggest opting for a classic green wreath decorated with pinecones and red berries. If you’re looking for something that smells as striking as it looks – try out a wreath adorned with sweet smelling dried orange and cinnamon pieces. After a circle that makes a statement? Go all out and choose a bold wreath fitted with stand-out metallic baubles, gingerbread man biscuits, or shimmering gold leaves.