The hanging of greens, such as Holly, Ivy and Mistletoe is a British winter tradition with origins far before the Christian era.
Greenery was used to lift people’s spirits
during the long winter and remind them that spring was not far away.
The holly wreath with its red berries and
other decorations dates back to the 17th century.
The roundness of the Wreath and the
sharpness of its pointed Holly leaves symbolized Christ's crown-of-thorns and its
Red berries the drops of Christ's blood.
The wreath was intertwined with red ribbons
to express the festive spirit and the evergreen leaves stood for everlasting
life and promised faithfulness to the Lord.
The Wreath which is traditionally displayed
on the front door of a home during the weeks of Advent and the Christmas season
once was a multiple role.
Harking back to its pagan origins the
wreath was believed to protect a home from evil spirits and during the Middle
Ages the red Holly berries were thought to keep witches at bay.
A wreath on the door at Christmas signified
a home that celebrated the birth of Christ.
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