Wreaths have adorned our homes, celebrations, and ceremonies in one form or another for centuries. Today, they serve a fresh purpose as contemporary art forms that draw on ancient symbolism. Wreaths are widely used as holiday ornaments, decorations for special occasions, and expressions of emotion—especially sadness—when they honour a departure from our lives or pay tribute to a loved one. In this article, we’ll look at the history, significance, and modern evolution of wreaths, plus practical advice on how to craft your own.
A Look Back: The Ancient History of Wreath Making
The tradition of wreath-making goes back thousands of years. In ancient civilisations, wreaths were less about decoration and more about symbolism. They were commonly made from laurel and worn as crowns by winners or champions—such as in the original Olympic Games. Wreaths were also used to symbolise a soldier’s accomplishments in warfare, as well as the honour and status of high officials.
Interestingly, the word “wreath” is derived from the Old English word writhan, meaning “to twist” or “to bind”. When we think of a wreath, we can picture many materials formed into a circular shape. Beyond Europe, wreath-like ornaments were also used by early cultures worldwide as symbols of the cycle of life and seasons, religious devotion, or respect for the dead.
The Symbolism of the Circle: Continuation, Life, and Peace
The unbroken, continuous circle of a wreath gives it special meaning, making it useful in ceremonies that mark beginnings and endings. For many, a wreath becomes a symbol of continuity and the cyclical nature of life—the change in seasons, the way death gives way to new life, and the sense that time is always in motion.
Wreaths are also often associated with peace, especially when made from olive branches. Olive branches have long represented harmony and reconciliation since antiquity.
Religious significance is another important factor. In Christianity, Advent wreaths are a popular decoration throughout the Christmas season. Evergreens represent eternal life and enduring hope. Advent wreaths are used for the four Sundays leading up to Christmas and include candles that represent each Sunday—beautifully blending worship and tradition.
Wreaths Through the Seasons: Holidays and Celebrations
While wreaths are now more than ever associated with holidays, they can be enjoyed year-round. Here are some popular seasonal and occasion wreath styles:
Christmas Wreaths
Christmas wreaths are perhaps the most familiar. Typically made with evergreens, holly, red ribbon, and pinecones, they’re hung on front doors as a welcoming gesture and symbolise hope, joy, and goodwill. They may include ornaments, bells, or follow a colour theme that matches your décor.
Spring & Easter Wreaths
Spring wreaths express renewal and new beginnings. They often feature seasonal blooms such as daffodils and tulips, along with pastel ribbons and light, uplifting accents. A bright spring wreath can reflect Easter joy and bring a sense of freshness, energy, and life.
Fall Wreaths
With changing leaf colours and cooler air, fall wreaths commonly include dried leaves, berries, small pumpkins, and twigs. Their earthy designs reflect the warm hues of the season and are popular around Thanksgiving or harvest celebrations.
Wedding and Event Wreaths
Wreaths can serve as tasteful design elements during weddings and events, representing love and union. They can be created to match a couple’s theme and used as centrepieces, altar displays, or hung on the backs of the couple’s chairs during the reception.
Wreaths of Remembrance: Celebrating a Life
Wreaths play an important role in funerals and memorials. Funeral wreaths are created using classic funeral flowers such as lilies, roses, and chrysanthemums, and may be placed at gravesites or presented during ceremonies to show care and sympathy. They represent respect for loved ones who have passed, while offering hope and peace to family and friends.
One well-known example is the “poppy wreath”. Poppy wreaths are placed at war memorials on Remembrance Day (11 November) to acknowledge fallen soldiers. The tradition spread after World War I, inspired in part by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae’s poem In Flanders Fields, which references poppies growing on the graves of soldiers. Today, poppy wreaths are enduring symbols of remembrance and sacrifice.
Modern Developments: Beyond the Traditional Wreath
Wreath making has experienced a creative renaissance in recent years. Wreaths have expanded far beyond holiday traditions, with modern makers using unexpected materials and personalised touches to reflect mood, personality, creativity, and sustainability. Here are a few contemporary wreath trends:
Minimal Wreaths
Minimal wreaths are simple and understated, using limited greenery or a clean design wrapped around wire or metal hoop forms. Their modern look makes them especially trendy.
Succulent Wreaths
For succulent lovers, succulent wreaths are living wreaths made from low-maintenance plants that can brighten a space. DIY wreaths made with upcycled materials, fabrics, or sentimental items are also becoming popular as people explore creative and sustainable options.
Year-Round Wreaths
Rather than packing a wreath away after a holiday, some homeowners choose neutral wreaths with interchangeable elements, so they can adapt the wreath as seasons change.
DIY Tips: Make a Wreath
Making your own wreath can be a fulfilling creative project. Whether you’re decorating for a holiday or styling your home year-round, you can create a beautiful wreath in a few steps.
Materials Needed
- Wreath base (grapevine, wire frame, or foam ring)
- Floral wire and/or a hot glue gun
- Greenery (fresh or faux, leaves, herbs, eucalyptus)
- Flowers (seasonal fresh flowers or silk flowers)
- Decorative elements (ribbon, ornaments, pinecones, berries)
Step-by-Step
- Prepare the base: Start with a clean, sturdy base. If using a foam ring, consider wrapping it with burlap or fabric so the foam isn’t visible.
- Add greenery: Attach greenery first using floral wire or glue, distributing it evenly around the base.
- Add flowers: Tuck in flowers and secure them with wire or glue. Mix larger blooms with smaller ones for balance.
- Add decorative elements: Finish with seasonal accents such as berries, ornaments, ribbon, or pinecones.
- Finish: Fluff and adjust the elements, check spacing, then hang using a wreath hook or ribbon.
Wreath Care: Keep Your Creations Fresh
With proper care, you can extend the life of your wreath—especially if you’ve used fresh greenery or flowers. Here are a few tips:
- Keep it cool: Avoid placing fresh wreaths in direct sunlight or near heaters and vents.
- Mist lightly: Mist fresh greenery to help preserve moisture.
- Store properly: When not in use, store wreaths in a cool, dry place in a protective bag or box to prevent dust and damage.
Conclusion: Wreaths as Artistic & Meaningful Decor
Wreaths are more than decorations—they carry history, symbolism, and emotion. From ancient laurel crowns to modern minimalist designs, wreaths have long marked celebrations, seasons, and life’s most meaningful moments.
Whether you hang a wreath to welcome guests, celebrate a holiday, or honour a loved one, you’re participating in a tradition that blends creativity with timeless symbolism.
And whether you buy a ready-made wreath or create your own DIY version, it’s worth appreciating the beauty and meaning a wreath can bring to your space all year long.
