The Year Round Tradition of Wreaths

The tradition of putting wreaths on doors and walls started in the 7th century B.C. when tree branches were used to crown the winners of the Olympic games. When exactly the wreath moved from the head to the door is unknown but the athletes probably hung their crowns on their wall and it took off from there.

One of the most popular holiday decorations is the Christmas wreath. Christmas wreaths are hung on doors, windows, fences, gates, from the stairway with garland or over the fireplace and used as centerpieces or advent wreaths on the table. Homes or offices don’t seem festive during the holiday season without this favorite decoration. Many people with second homes they don’t use during the holiday season still make sure there’s a wreath on the door to share the spirit of the season with their neighbors.

Many people make their own Christmas wreaths using decorations of meaning to them. A bird lover might decorate their wreath with small birds and different types of berries birds love like holly berries. A gardener may decorate their wreath with dried flowers like hydrangeas, fruits like apples or cranberries and blueberry or grape vines and twigs, all harvested from their own gardens. A lover of the sea might add seashells, clam shells, sea urchin shells and starfish to their wreath. These decorations are placed in the balsam fir and pine boughs they have cut, sometimes from their own property. These wreaths make great meaningful gifts to give to friends and family.

Fall wreaths are very popular. Autumn leaves can be used as a base. Twigs, vines and branches are used. Bright, burgundy burning bush branches are beautiful. Add decorations throughout the fall like small pumpkins and ghosts for Halloween and turkeys and small cornucopia type dried fruits for Thanksgiving.

A spring wreath can add to Easter or Mother’s day celebrations. Freeze-dried flowers are typically used on spring wreaths. Pink roses, daffodils, pansies, miniature carnations, seeded eucalyptus, white larkspur and artemisia are popular choices.

Herb wreaths are wonderful additions to any kitchen or dining room. They are made with bouquets of different herbs. Herbs like Mexican or Greek oregano, sage, marjoram, bay laurel, lavender, red hot chilies, basil, bay leaves and thyme are used. There are numerous combinations of colors and textures that can be used and individual tastes dictate which herb wreath is chosen.

The many different types of wreaths are beautiful decorations for walls or doors, inside or outside your home or office. Hanging a different wreath for every season keeps both you and your guests aware that a new season has arrived.

Lynn Jebbia is the owner of Acadia Wreath Company, based in Bar Harbor, Maine, which handcrafts
fresh Maine balsam fir Christmas wreaths, Christmas centerpieces and kissing balls which are shipped directly to customers and corporate clients throughout the United States.