Friday 17 October 2014

By Patty Goff





Wreaths can be made of a number of different components. Theses include fruit, branches, twigs or leaves. One of the materials most commonly used to create this item is flowers. A flower wreath is used across the board for various occasions, be it celebratory or otherwise.



To create a wreath of flowers, the flowers are placed or even woven into position to form a circular shape. This shape can be practically any size, ranging from the small and concise to the extremely big. All around the world, different cultures use this item to commemorate different events.



Christmas is one of the key holidays of the year when you can see these being used decoratively. They may be found inside the home or outside on the main door. Though wreaths are often made using evergreens as they symbolize strength, lasting throughout all seasons and weather conditions, poinsettias are great flowers to incorporate into this seasonal item. The poinsettia is a flower commonly associated with this time of year.



A very common association with a floral wreath is that of mourning, as wreaths are often used for funerals or memorials. This has been happening since the times of Ancient Greece, with the circular shape of the object representing never ending life. The flowers used in this symbol of life are representative of everlasting 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 as headdresses have always been very popular, but have made a reappearance as a fashion item in recent times. They are quite popular among those brides who have a boho chic aesthetic for their wedding themes, especially when the event is taking place outdoors. Other than weddings, crowns made of flowers have been used for hundred of years in rituals and festivals particularly of a pagan nature.



The Maypole festival celebrating May Day is just one example of a pagan festival that makes use of such an item. It is traditionally positioned on top of a high pole and young men race to the top to see who can get to it first. The winner gets to wear it as a crown on his head. The flowers used in this garland must be picked very early in the morning when the dew is still fresh, as it is believed that there is magic contained in the dew that will disappear by the time it dries.



You may want to use this item in your own home as a piece of decoration. It is quite easy to make and there are a number of tutorials showing you how. You can purchase the base and then decorate it using anything you like, including leaves or branches, attaching them with a special lightweight wire. Alternatively, you can try something a little more challenging and create your own base from wire, cardboard or foam.









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