Christmas Wreaths: What They Mean and How to Make a Fresh One
This year, I decided to make a Christmas wreath using cones and branches from our pine trees. While my pine cones are drying and the pine branches are soaking, I thought I would share a little bit I've learned about the Christmas wreath.
The history of the Christmas Wreath and what it symbolizes
The word wreath comes from the word “writhen” which was an old English word meaning “to writhe” or “to twist.” The hanging of Christmas wreaths originated with the Romans, who hung wreaths on their doors as a sign of victory. As Christians, our Christmas wreaths are a symbol that Jesus was born so we could be victorious. Through Him, we have victory over all the work of the enemy, including death.
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57
Wreaths were originally formed from the trimmings of the Christmas tree. Trees were cut and trimmed into a triangle shape to represent the trinity. The trimmings were then woven into a circle to represent the eternal life we have because of Jesus' birth and God's unending love.
Due to their heartiness throughout harsh winters, the evergreen wreath represents strength as well as immortality. It is a symbol of resilience, strength, and God's everlasting love.
The wreaths were often decorated with holly branches. The thorny branches represent the thorns on Jesus' crown when he was crucified. Bright red holly berries symbolize Jesus' blood that was shed for us.
Pinecones are also frequently used as a decoration for wreaths. The pine cone is a symbol of spiritual enlightenment, awakening, fertility, and immortality. They remind us that Jesus was born to bring us out of the darkness and into the kingdom of light.
Let's make one!
Now that you know what the wreath means, let's make one to welcome Christmas and all that it represents into our homes.
Here is what you will need:
- Wreath ring/form- I used a wire coat hanger
- Twine or florist wire
- Evergreen branches
- Pinecones
- Ribbon
Getting ready to create
Before you can get started, there are a few things you need to prepare.
- Dry your pine cones
- Gather your branches
- Decide on what else your want on your wreath.
You can purchase berry branches and ribbons at your local craft store. You may want to include ornaments, cinnamon sticks, dried fruit or flowers, or even some lights. As you gather these items, think about what you want your wreath to say. If it is for your door, it will be one of the first things people see. If you're looking for ideas, check out Pinterest. There are always some creative ideas there.
Now you can assemble your wreath.
Create your wreath frame.
Bend a wire coat hanger into a circle. Use a wire cutter to clip off the hook at the top of the hanger or leave to hang your wreath.
Assemble the greenery base of your wreath
Attach twine to the frame. Group two or three branches together and tie to frame. Repeat this process until the frame is covered. Tie the end to the frame with a knot to secure.
Add the pine cones
You can use a glue gun to attach the pine cones or take some wire or twine and wrap it around the base of the pine cone, then tie securely to your branches.
Decorate it
Place the other items you have chosen and attach them securely to the wreath.
The finishing touch
Finish your wreath with a ribbon or twine bow. You can also weave fairy lights into your wreath so it lights up.
Whether you buy a wreath or make one of your own, Christmas wreaths bring holiday warmth to your home. They also tell the story of God's greatest gift to us.
Where do you hang wreaths at your house? Send me a picture of your completed wreaths-I love seeing what you create and what it means to you. I'll add a photo of mine when I get it completed.
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