Festive Christmas Wreath - Oh, how I love getting the house all dressed up for the holidays. The furniture is shifted to make room for the tree. Red throw pillows are on the sofa and holiday candles are ready to light. Once everything is set, the Christmas tree is decorated and a festive Christmas wreath is hung on the door. Now, I am ready for holiday entertaining! Nothing says “welcome” to visitors better than a festive evergreen Christmas wreath. It’s the sign of holiday readiness and that all is well in the world of Leanne.
The
tradition of the wreath has been interpreted in so many ways over the
generations. To the ancient Romans, the wreath was a sign of victory over
their challengers. In the Catholic tradition, a special wreath is created
with four candles; one candle is lit each week of Advent. In this, the wreath
is a visual reminder of the coming if the Christmas celebration. Before
the church’s Advent traditions began, Pagan mid-winter rituals often featured a
wreath of evergreens with 4 candles. The candles represented the elements of
earth, wind, water and fire. Scandinavian wreaths also feature candles.
The candles light the winter night and are a sign of hope for the return of
spring. The classic round form of the wreath with no beginning or end,
symbolizes the cycle of nature and the circle of life itself.
Decorations
on the wreath can vary from the festive plaid bow to shiny balls and textural
cones. Wreaths enhanced with fresh fruit in the Della Robbia style with
nuts, pods and cones are fabulous. This year, I’m favoring the pristine
white of snowflakes, silver balls and shiny silver ribbon. Whether the
wreath you hang is a purchased crafter's masterpiece or a personal, handmade
creation, hang it high and welcome visitors to your home with a festive holiday
spirit. (MORE BLOGS)