 | The origin of wreaths, dates back to ancient Greece and Rome. At that time, they were actually known as coronas, or crowns that were worn on the head. They were first recorded in Greek history as prizes for feats of prowess, or athletic ability, being one of the awards made for Olympic competition.
The Romans however, took the idea and embroidered upon it, creating literally dozens of coronas or wreaths, made of different materials according to the occasion it commemorated.
In their military-driven society, the highest honor one could achieve, was the Corona Obsidionalis, a wreath that was awarded to Generals who broke through the forces surrounding a beleaguered army, and freed them. The wreath was made from grass or weeds and wildflowers, perhaps in recognition of the practice whereby the General who lost a battle pulled grass from the field and handed it to his vanquisher, as a token of acknowledgement. Like all other Romans awarded these coronas, the General who won a Corona Obsidionalis, was entitled to wear it for life.
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