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Decorative Wreaths

	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. Please browse through our selection of products or to read more about Decorative Wreaths please Click Here

Traditional Christmas Wreath

Includes Colorful Lights
24 Inches Diameter
2 Replacement Lights Included

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Snowy Pine Wreath

Rustic
30 Inches Diameter

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Decorative Patriotic Wreath

16 Inches Diameter
Says "God Bless America"

Poinsettia Decoration Set

Great Seasonal Set
4 Pieces Total
Wreath: 18 Inches Diameter

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Decorative Wreaths

It is thought that wreaths hanging on walls or doors, harks back to the days when soldiers or athletes won these vegetation-based wreaths, and hung them on the wall when not wearing them. Or placed them on the door as a sign that a brave man/skilled athlete lived in that house.

Today, we primarily associate wreaths with the Christmas season. Many Christmas traditions originate with ancient Germanic practices, and this may very well be one of them, as people reproduced the old ritual of laying pine boughs in a circle on the ground in winter, and building a bonfire in the middle to invite Spring to come. In later years, Christians would develop the Advent Wreath, a pine wreath placed on the dining room or other table, with four candles set into the branches, and one placed in the center. A candle is lit on each of the four Sundays preceding Christmas and on Christmas the center candle is lit.

While wreaths started out as a seasonal decoration, they now encompass all seasons and occasions, and are made from both natural and manmade materials.

Along with the traditional fresh pine wreaths for Christmas, there are now artificial materials that mimic the real thing. They can be bought already complete, or you can get the plain wreaths, and decorate them to suit your tastes.

A favorite non-seasonal wreath, is the one made from entwined grape vines. These date back a couple of centuries or more in America, where the vines grow wild. Once made, they last almost forever, and again, you can get the basic wreath and decorate it yourself, or purchase one that has been finished in colors or a scheme that goes with your home d�cor.

Wreaths with a wooden form and decorations are also popular, and come in exquisitely hand-painted designs for all tastes, whether it is floral, butterfly, ladybug, or fruit patterns.

�Scrap� metal or beaten copper wreaths make a beautiful accent to for your doors or wall, and if you want a little more color, you can get wreaths made from metal, with painted wood accents, that go with any theme, occasion or holiday.

Decorative wreaths make great housewarming and shower gifts, as well. And don�t worry about wrapping. Just pop it in a gift bag, tuck in some colored tissue paper, and tie the handles with a ribbon.