Door wreaths have been adorning homes for centuries, adding a touch of festive cheer and welcoming touch. The origins can be traced back to ancient civilizations, but their popularity has recently surged in our attempt to decorate every inch of our homes and gardens making them an essential part of holiday decorations noy only just for the Festive season but at any time of year!
Ancient Roots
The concept of using wreaths as decorative elements dates back to ancient times. The Greeks and Romans, for instance, used wreaths made of laurel or olive leaves to symbolize victory and honor. These wreaths were sometimes worn on the head as seen on many discovered artifacts and frescos but also hung on doors as a sign of triumph.
Symbolism
In many cultures, the circular shape of a wreath means eternity and endless life, and just like the symbolism of a wedding ring. Evergreens, traditionally used in wreaths, and still as the base, represent resilience and the enduring nature of life, particularly during winter months.
- Christian Symbolism: In Christian traditions, wreaths are often associated with Advent, the period of anticipation leading up to Christmas. The circular shape signifies the eternal nature of God, while the evergreen materials symbolize everlasting life.
- Pagan Traditions: Many pagan cultures also incorporated wreaths into their celebrations. They were often used to honor the winter solstice and the return of the sun
Modern Times
- Christmas Wreaths: These are the most common type, typically adorned with evergreen branches, red berries, pine cones, and festive ornaments.
- Halloween Wreaths: Spooky and whimsical, these wreaths often feature black, orange, and purple colors, along with spooky decorations like spiders, bats, and ghosts.
- Autumn Wreaths: These wreaths celebrate the harvest season with elements like autumn leaves, pumpkins, and gourds.
The popularity of door wreaths can be attributed to several factors:
- Aesthetic Appeal: Wreaths add a visually pleasing touch to homes, enhancing curb appeal and creating a colourful and inviting exterior.
- Versatility: They can be customized to suit various styles and themes, they can be as simple or as abundant as per your personality
- Nostalgia: For many, wreaths evoke feelings of nostalgia and childhood memories, connecting them to cherished traditions.or attached to a romantic idyll seen in books, advertising and images
There are lots of places to buy both locally at Florist shops, Fresh produce shops, garden centres and further afield at many home interior chain stores, but for the more adventurous among us can get all creative and make our own. You could buy all the materials and hope for the best or you could go to one of the many workshops available!
In no particular order but be quick as there are some sell outs already
The Hair Club, Lytham with Flora & Fauna
Time : 6pm-8pm
Price : £50
The QUEENS Lytham with Greg from Leafy Lytham
25th November 6.30,
2nd December 1.00 & 6.30
9th December 1.00 & 6,30
16th December 1.00 & 6.30
More details here
Craft and Common with Rose & Bloom
Lytham Gin with Bond & Bloom
Christmas Wreath Workshops on Tuesday 26 November, Wednesday 27 November or Thursday 28 November from 7-9pm at Lytham Gin Distillery. Each place costs £55, inclusive of refreshments, materials, instruction and a jolly festive time. You can purchase extra drinks at the bar, and buy Christmas gifts on the night, too. Participants will take home a 50cm fresh spruce wreath of their own bespoke design.Lytham Gin, Unit 3, The Old Mill, Boundary Road, Lytham FY8 5LT (Heaven!) (Please note, attendees will need to be able to negotiate one flight of stairs.) Link to book HERE