December 14, 2011
Symbol of Christmas:
Wreath
Next to the Christmas tree, this is probably the second most popular decoration to have at Christmas time. Mostly you see them hung on doors or over mantels. But what is the significance of this traditional decoration? This site gives a good explanation.
According to historians, wreaths have had a special place in pre-Christian era itself. It is said that in Eastern Europe, people used to illuminate wreaths made of evergreen leaves in winters, with the belief that it would bring spring and sunshine. ...In the ancient period, wreaths symbolized pride and victory. Evergreen twigs, branches and flowers were used to make handmade wreaths. They were used during auspicious occasions like weddings. Historical records suggest that it was sometime around 776 BC, when Greeks started using laurel wreaths as crowns, to award athletes who finished first in Olympics. Another record suggests that wreaths were worn by military heroes and kings in ancient Rome. Wreaths were used as embellishments by women, and were sometime complemented with jewels.I am finding that many of the symbols we have at Christmas, like the wreath, are symbols of eternal life. It seems like it is human nature to want to live forever. Doctrine and Covenants 14:7 says, "And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God." That doesn't mean we will never die if we always do what is right. It means that after this life on earth, we can continue to live with our Heavenly Father again in the eternities. Of course, nobody is perfect and we all make mistakes, but that is why God sent His son, Jesus Christ to this earth. It is Christ that we celebrate at Christmas time. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
The tradition of hanging wreaths during Christmas is essentially a Catholic ritual. This is done during the Christmas season, traditionally known as Advent. The traditional Advent Christmas wreath has four candles in the circle and one candle in the middle. The candles are either white or colorful. If the candles are colorful, three would be violet in color and one would be a rose colored candle. Traditionally, the Christmas wreaths were made of evergreen leaves, which symbolize the permanence of life. A traditional wreath is a circle, which means that there is no beginning or end and that God is eternal.
