Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Various Uses For A Flower Wreath

By Patty Goff


A wreath can be made of a variety of materials, including branches, twigs, leaves and fruit. However, one of the most commonly used materials is flowers. A flower wreath can be used for a variety of reasons and occasions, from decorative to celebratory to mourning.

Flowers are positioned or woven into a circular shape to create the wreath, which can be practically any size when finished. A floral wreath can be small enough to fit on the head or large enough to cover the side of a building. In different countries and cultures, it is used for a plethora of reasons and occasions.

One religious occasion where garlands are commonly placed on front doors or as part of interior decor is a Christmas wreath. Many wreaths are made of evergreens, symbolizing strength due to the fact that evergreens last throughout the year despite the harshest weather condition. Considering that poinsettias are considered to be the traditional flower of Christmas, a garland made of poinsettias is the perfect decorative item for this time of year.

A wreath of flowers is also very often seen at funerals and memorials. This particular association has been around since Ancient Greece, where the circle represents eternal life. Flowers used in this type of wreath can also be symbolic of continuous life and also resurrection.

Different flowers represent different associations in those used for funerals. For example, in the funeral procession for a deceased young maiden, a girl of the same age would lead the procession carrying a garland comprised of white flowers, which were symbols of the purity of the deceased. In war memorial wreaths, sometimes poppy flowers are used.

Floral garlands worn on the head have become more and more popular recently. This is the case with brides who have a hippie or bohemian-styled wedding, particularly one that takes place outdoors. However, floral headpieces and crowns have been a staple item in pagan rituals and festivities for centuries.

One of the most popular festivals where the garland holds particular importance is the Maypole Festival, in observance of May Day. The garland is placed at the top of a pole which young men must race to climb. The winner wears the piece on his head. There is belief that the flowers contained in the item must be picked at a certain time of morning before the dew has dried, as there is magic in the dew.

An item like this is most commonly and consistently used as a decorative item in the home, and is very easy to make for those who like to do crafts. It is possible to get a plain base, which can then be decorated with the materials of choice using a lightweight floral wire. Alternatively, a more advanced craft individual can try their hand at making a base themselves to then decorate. There are a number of ways to do this with items like foam, wire or cardboard.




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