What are wreaths? Why are they important?

Wreaths have a long history and mean different things in various cultures and times. In ancient Greece, they gave laurel wreaths to winners in sports, showing they did well and achieved something. The Romans liked this idea too, using wreaths in ceremonies and to show off status. In Christianity, wreaths are linked with happy times, like the Advent wreath at Christmas. Over time, wreaths have been used to remember important events, honour special people and mark big moments in history.

 

Wreaths: Materials required

Wire cutters: A wire cutter not only handles wire but proves invaluable for cutting robust silk flower stems with precision.

Rotary cutter: Originally designed for fabric, the rotary cutter emerges as a time-saving tool when dealing with deco mesh. Choosing this sharp alternative over scissors not only accelerates the process but reduces the wearing off of the mesh.

Scissors: Scissors are great tools for the fine craft of ribbon and mesh cutting. It’s crucial to avoid using them on silk flowers. Choose titanium scissors to ensure easy removal of hot glue and tape residues.

High-temperature glue gun: The high-temperature glue gun helps in the secure attachment of flowers, greenery, and various elements to the wreath base.

Florist wire: It is mainly used for wiring signs and elements into the wreath and is widely recommended to choose a 22-gauge wire for optimal durability.

Greening pins: Ideal for securing items like ribbon or mesh onto styrofoam or straw wreath bases, greening pins provide stability and ease of application.

Wood floral picks: When dealing with delicate floral stems struggling to find purchase in a grapevine wreath, the addition of a floral pick becomes crucial. These picks also prove handy in extending shortened stems and toughening glue-weakened attachments.

Floral tape: Adding an extra layer of security to wooden floral picks, floral tape, available in various colours, ensures seamless coordination of elements into the wreath design.

Heavy duty stapler: When binding wooden signs to wreaths, use a heavy-duty staple gun to attach the pipe cleaner or florist wire to the sign’s back, and to increase the stability apply hot glue at the top of the staple.

Zip ties: Versatile zip ties play a pivotal role in wreath assembly, serving purposes such as attaching floral sprays, securing signs, and strengthening heavier decorations. 

 

Wreath making process

The process of making a simple wreath is given below:

1. Begin by gathering all the necessary materials: a wreath frame, thin floral wire, moss or an alternative base, secateurs, green foliage, and accessories such as pine cones, bows and ribbon.
2. Cover the frame with moss, utilising newspaper, hay or garden moss to maintain foliage freshness and prevent drying. Secure the wire to the frame, winding it tightly to create a robust circular base for attaching your greenery (leave the wire attached for later use).
3. Prepare your greenery and berries, cutting them into short, 4-inch (10cm) sections. Bundle these sections together and tie them onto the frame. Precision is not crucial; focus on creating a full, textured circle. You’ll likely need more greenery than you initially anticipated.
4. Initiate the wreath assembly process by placing a bunch of greenery onto the moss-covered frame, and securing it tightly with wire. Maintain a consistent direction as you proceed. Layer the next bunch slightly to one side, wiring it tightly over the stems. Repeat this process, ensuring a cohesive direction to shape the wreath. Complete the wreath, securing the wire to the frame.
5. A well-designed wreath is round with an open centre. Trim any wispy parts, and use short lengths of wire, affix cones, orange segments, or other embellishments as desired. Attach a separate wire for hanging and tie a bow to finish.
6. Preserve your wreath by misting it with water or leaving it in the rain to maintain moisture in the base, ensuring the longevity of the greenery’s vibrancy.

See also: DIY decorations for Christmas

 

How to care for wreaths

Hang the wreath outdoors to maximise its lifespan by exposing it to fresh air. The duration of the wreath is significantly influenced by the general climate and direct sunlight exposure. Longevity can be gained by suspending the wreath in a cool area generously shaded. When situated indoors, with active care, they can stay for approximately three weeks. Ensure that all greenery is kept at a safe distance from potential heat sources, which could lead to desiccation, such as direct sunlight, heat vents and open flames. 

Wreaths actively absorb moisture through their cut ends to increase the vitality and endurance of the wreath by periodically watering the rear side with water every 2-3 days. This active measure enables the absorption of water by the wreath, resulting in a more aromatic wreath with an extended lifespan.

 

Wreath: Types

Rustic wreaths: Rustic wreaths, crafted from an assortment of branches, leaves, and pine cones, exhibit a charming natural look. They stand as an excellent choice for festive occasions mainly from the Christmas holiday season to the beginning of the new year.

Holiday wreaths: Holiday wreaths are made from fresh and aromatic greenery and are the best of all wreaths. Typically made from fresh and fragrant green leaves, these wreaths have great longevity in dry indoor settings and hot climates.

Funeral wreaths: Funeral wreaths, though associated with solemn occasions, have a wide collection of shapes, colours and sizes so selecting the right flowers and design becomes important depending on the situation.

Rose wreaths: Roses are available in a range of colors to represent emotions like love and friendship and respect. Crimson roses, particularly fit well on funeral occasions, while yellow roses give messages of friendship.

Lily wreaths: Lily wreaths, often a preferred choice for funerals, carry a profound message of sympathy. Beyond their aromatic appeal, lilies symbolise restored innocence, a poignant message in the aftermath of loss. For the religious, lilies hold additional significance as symbols of purity and radiance in Christianity.

Carnation wreaths: Carnation wreaths are similar to roses and come in varying shades each carrying its significance where pink means remembrance, red signifies respect, and white means innocence and love.

Vintage ornament wreaths: These are very normal kinds of wreaths that can be easily made by anyone including kids and are mainly popular in the Christmas season.

Bottle brush wreaths: They look like scrubbers with their dark green plastic composition but stand out as durable and preferred materials for the wreath-making process.

Floral wreaths: These are some of the popular wreaths that are only made from leaves and any single type of flowers. If you want any changes you can add any kind of leaves or different colours of flowers of the same type. 

Candy-based wreaths: Candy-based wreaths, fashioned from candy-striped balls, prove to be vibrant, and attention-grabbing creations that are very easy to assemble.

Read also: Tips for flower arrangement for decoration

 

FAQs

What is the purpose of a wreath?

Wreaths, primarily used as domestic decorations, find importance as decorations during Advent and Christmas. Their ceremonial significance extends across diverse cultures, where they may be worn as head chaplets or draped as neck garlands.

Why is it termed a wreath?

The nomenclature wreath originates from the Old English term writhen, signifying to writhe or to twist. The custom of decorating doors with Christmas wreaths traces back to the Romans, who employed them as symbols of victory and societal standing.

Which people wore wreaths historically?

Historically, military leaders or emperors adorned themselves with wreaths post-triumph. Ancient depictions often present laurel wreaths in a horseshoe configuration. Additionally, laurel wreaths held significance in funerals, while in contemporary settings, certain countries employ them as symbols denoting a master's degree.

Do wreaths carry good fortune?

Door wreaths are believed to serve as protective barriers against negative energies, attracting positive forces into homes. Frequently decorated with optimistic symbols, flowers, leaves, or fruits, these wreaths symbolise good luck and prosperity.

How does a wreath differ from a garland?

Distinguishing a wreath from a garland lies in their shapes. A garland, a lengthy string often draped along surfaces, can take a circular shape but maintains flexibility. Whereas, a wreath adopts a fixed and rigid circular structure, typically hung on doors.

Any facts about wreaths?

In ancient Greece, triumphant Olympic athletes, poets, and orators were awarded wreaths crafted from olive, pine, laurel, celery, or palm. Furthermore, young lovers in ancient Greece expressed affection by hanging wreaths on the doorways of their loved ones.

Why has the tradition of hanging wreaths continued?

During ancient Greek and Roman eras, wreaths symbolised victory and authority long before Christmas traditions took root. Over a millennium elapsed before wreaths became synonymous with the festive season, including their symbolic charm through the ages.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com