funeral wreaths - details

 Funeral wreaths were traditionally placed at the graves of "funeral wreaths" on the eve of Corpus Christi by Christian clergy, primarily those who were Roman Catholic. The funeral procession would be led by a younger woman who was the same age as the person being mourned. She would be wearing a wreath of white flowers to symbolize the purity of the departed and "that eternal crown of glory destined for her in heaven."

With the development of Victorian technology, plant symbolism had come to be seen as a complex language, and funeral wreath symbolism was no exception. Plants stood for rebirth and life. In funeral wreaths, particular flowers were used to symbolize different emotions. The victorians utilized cypress and willow to make wreath frames, and they were thought to represent sadness.

During memorial day and remembrance day rituals, wreaths are typically placed at infantrymen's graves and at memorial cenotaphs. Wreaths may also be laid in honor of people who have died at sea, whether by accident or as a result of military action. The wreath is lowered to the water and sent adrift aboard a memorial vessel at sea. seasonal wreath

A straw-woven harvest wreath in the Scandinavian tradition. Today's common household ornament, harvest wreaths have historical roots throughout Europe. Harvest wreaths have a long history in Europe dating back to prehistoric times and are associated with animistic religious concepts. The harvest wreath, made from wheat or other harvested blossoms and weaved with pink and white wool thread, was considered a sacred object in ancient Greece. Year-round, the door might be used to hang the harvest wreath.

In ancient Greece, harvest wreaths had significance for the entire community, not just the farmer and his household. The oschophoria and anthesteria, two dionysus-themed galas, featured the eiresîonê, a ceremonial parade. Young lads were used to transport a harvest wreath to Pyanopsia and Thargelia, singing the entire way. After making gifts to Helios and the hours, the wreath of laurel or olives might be put on the door. It was anticipated that by performing this ceremony, people would be protected from pestilence and agricultural failure.

The harvest wreath, or wiieniec, is a key emblem of the dozynki festival in Poland. Wreaths are created using a variety of materials, including fruit, nuts, and grain plants that have been harvested. The wreath is then taken to a church where a priest will bless it. A girl or young lady leads the procession and carries the wreath in this subculture, which involves a procession from the church to the circle of relatives' home. Following the parade, there is a party and meal.

A wreath consisting of leaves, flowers, and branches can be worn as a headpiece. It is typically worn during celebratory occasions and on holy days. Wreaths were initially created for use in pagan rites in Europe and were connected to fertility and the changing of the seasons. Christian art included images of the virgin Mary and numerous saints topped with wreaths, as well as characters from Roman and Greek mythology were depicted wearing wreaths, in addition to Roman and Greek rulers and heroes. Throughout the middle ages, Christianity widely spread the symbolism of the wreath based entirely upon its Roman association with honor and moral distinctive feature. A maypole decorated with wreaths was raised for celebrations of the midsummer solstice in Stra Insjö, Dalarna, Sweden.

Europeans have kept their wreath traditions alive for many years. In England, May Day is observed by maypole celebrations, which culminate in a race amongst young, unmarried men to reach the top of the pole and take the May Day wreath perched atop it. The victor of this competition would wear the wreath as his crown and be known as the may day king for the duration of the celebration.

White lilies, green birch, fennel, St. John's wort, wormwood, vervain, and flax are some of the floral materials that have historically been used to produce midsummer wreaths and garlands. It was believed that as the dew dried, the magical properties of the flora vanished along with the dew, hence it was necessary to collect the flowers for the midsummer wreath as early in the morning as possible. Germany and Scandinavia still celebrate midsummer as well, with maypoles and wreaths playing a prominent role, much like in England. view more