A wreath on our door is our most ancient custom – we connect with 100 generations of people going back 2,000 years. During the time of the Roman Empire wreaths, as an earthly halo were first placed on heads as an award decoration. Gradually wreaths were removed from the head and became a wall adornment.

When the Christian church began taking shape in the first 200 years after the death of Jesus, this faith first endured an interval as an outlaw religion. New converts used various symbols to identify themselves to one another and one of these symbols was the wreath placed on the front door. Later in history Christian missionaries competed with Druids for the attention of northern Europeans. Druids assigned mystical attributes to Oak trees (observing they were the trees most often hit by lightning). In response Christian missionaries in the 8^th century turned to conifers equating the characteristics of evergreens with everlasting life. Through the war of symbols and our persistent pleasure in handicraft work wreaths on the door made of evergreen boughs have become one of our most enduring customs.

Today we enjoy wreaths because they remind us it is Christmas and thus time to slow down to enjoy the family and to have fun decorating for a festive meal.  In a quiet way wreaths foster the urge for peace and renewal within us.

In the U.S. wreaths are made, not surprisingly, mostly in states that grow conifers. On the east coast wreaths come from Maine made of Balsam firs and from North Carolina made from Fraser firs. The other major source is the Pacific Northwest. Among wholesale florists wreaths made from Noble firs are considered the ‘mercedes benz’ of wreaths! Why? (glad you asked . . . ) Because Noble firs are well-named (The name comes from the Scottish botanist, David Noble) – for they have noble characteristics. The needles are firm without being prickly like spruce trees; the color is deep green or blue-green; and they maintain their fresh color for a long time. You may have experienced yourself a wreath hung on the door in the northern tier states after Thanksgiving continues to look fresh in February. Wreaths sent down south will endure the heat well past New Years – even in Hawaii (but please keep them out of direct sunlight).

In short, wreaths identify well with families, they are attractive, are a specialty item and are hardy for shipping all over the U.S. Moms like them and Grandmas too. You simply can’t go wrong buying a wreath to give as a gift or to decorate your own front door. Remember, you are connecting with 100 generations!

                                                                                                Ed Hallett

Email the WebMistress with any comments, questions or problems.