
This article tells you the
origin, significance and role of Wreath as a symbol in the
celebration of Christmas.
Wreath
The wreath has significant meaning for the
season. Wreath is always associated with evergreen and it's circular
shape represents eternity, for it has no beginning and no end. From
the religious perspective of the Christian, it represents an
unending circle of life. The evergreen, most frequently used in
making wreathes, symbolizes growth and everlasting life. Holly
branches have thorns. When used in a wreath it represents the thorn
used on Jesus' crown when he was crucified. The bright red holly
berries symbolize Jesus' blood that was shed for us. Earlier people
used to worship evergreen holly as a sign of eternal life because it
did not brown or die in the winter. Wreaths are now placed on doors
or hallways to create a festive atmosphere during the holiday
season. Wreaths have been used as a decorative sign of Christmas for
hundreds of years. Christmas wreaths are used to adorn any part of
home, inside or out. In many homes, this symbol of growth and
everlasting life can be found both inside and out. The wreath is
made of evergreens, most often pine branches or holly. They can be
real or artificial. The artificial one just doesn't smell the same
as a real wreath. It is decorated wit a variety of items including
pine cones, holly berries, fruits, and just about anything you can
imagine.
Today, it is really hard to remember the real meaning of Christmas
celebration. We get occupied with the enjoyment part of the
celebration. All caught up in the hype of Santa and his arrival. The
wreath over the hearth brings warmth to our hearts and reminds us of
the true meaning of this very special day. The wreath has a very
symbolic significance with the beginning of Advent as this is the
time for the hanging of the green, and decorating the church with
evergreen wreaths, boughs, or trees that help to symbolize the new
and everlasting life blessed by Jesus the Christ. Some churches
perform special weekday service, in which the church is decorated
with these evergreen wreaths. This service is primarily of music,
especially choir and hand bells, and Scripture reading, along with
an explanation of the various symbols as they are placed in the
sanctuary. The Advent wreath is an increasingly popular symbol of
the beginning of the Church year in many churches as well as homes.
Five candles, four around the wreath and one in the center are used.
Wreath is symbolic and tells the Christmas story. So there are
various aspects related to wreath and its significance in the
celebration of Christmas.
