Our modern term wreath is linked to the word wrist. It came from the Old English writha, denoting a twisted band or ring of leaves or flowers in a garland. The tradition of decorating with a wreath originates with the Roman use of a holly wreath as a symbol of the sun during the celebration of Saturnalia. Early Christians adopted this custom to avoid persecution, but associated the holly wreath instead, with its thorns and red berries, with Christ’s crown of thorns. It later became popular to make the wreath from evergreen boughs, representing eternal life, since holly was not always available (see The Tradition of Holly).
Today, it is a popular custom to hang a wreath, decorated in various ways, on the front door as well as other locations on or in the home. In the Philippines, colorful wreaths made of tropical flowers are made and worn by all in a great parade following Christmas Mass.
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