The History of the Christmas Wreath – From Pagan Roots to Modern Doors

Every December, London doorways glow with festive charm. Twinkling fairy lights frame elegant Georgian townhouses, while glossy green wreaths adorned with pinecones, dried oranges, and velvet ribbon announce that Christmas has arrived.

But have you ever wondered why we hang wreaths at Christmas? This beloved tradition isn’t just decorative - it’s steeped in symbolism, spirituality, and centuries of history. From pagan winter rituals to modern luxury wreath workshops in London, the wreath has travelled a fascinating journey through time.

Pagan Winter Rituals & The Evergreen Circle

Long before Christmas existed, ancient European communities celebrated the Winter Solstice (around 21st December), the darkest and shortest day of the year. For them, evergreen plants like holly, ivy, and fir symbolised resilience, eternal life, and the promise of spring’s return.

The circular shape of the wreath carried meaning too. Circles had no beginning or end, making them symbols of eternity, cycles of nature, and the sun’s rebirth after the solstice. Pagan families would weave evergreen branches into circles and hang them in their homes to protect against darkness and invite good fortune.

This early use of greenery as both decoration and ritual object laid the foundations for the wreath we know today.

Wreaths in Ancient Greece – The Laurel Crown

The Greeks played a central role in shaping the symbolic use of wreaths. In classical Greece, wreaths were made from plants like laurel, olive, ivy, or oak and were known as “coronae” or crowns.

The most famous example is the laurel wreath, closely associated with the god Apollo. Laurel was sacred to him, symbolising wisdom, victory, and eternal honour. Victors in the ancient Olympic Games were crowned with laurel wreaths - making them not only prizes of athletic achievement, but also markers of divine favour.

Beyond sport, laurel crowns were also given to poets, scholars, and military leaders as emblems of excellence and prestige. Even today, we use the phrase “resting on one’s laurels” - a direct echo of this Greek tradition.

This Greek practice of using wreaths as symbols of victory and honour influenced both Roman customs and, eventually, European decorative traditions. The idea that a circular arrangement of foliage could carry deep meaning is part of the thread that connects laurel crowns to the Christmas wreath on your London door today.

Wreaths in Christian Traditions

As Christianity spread through Europe, many pagan and classical customs were reinterpreted through a Christian lens. The wreath became associated with Advent - the four weeks leading up to Christmas.

The Advent wreath, still common in churches today, was traditionally made of evergreen branches and held four candles. Each Sunday before Christmas, a candle was lit, symbolising hope, love, joy, and peace. The circle represented God’s eternal love, while the evergreens symbolised everlasting life through Christ.

This religious adaptation ensured that wreaths remained a prominent part of winter celebrations - not only in church, but also in the home.

The Rise of the Christmas Wreath in Victorian London

It wasn’t until the Victorian era that the Christmas wreath became widely popular in London homes. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert embraced many German Christmas traditions, including the Christmas tree, and the trend spread quickly among the middle classes.

Victorian wreaths were often:

• Made from holly and ivy (referencing the popular Christmas carol)

• Decorated with ribbons and fruit

• Hung on doors to welcome guests and symbolise hospitality

This was also when floristry as a craft grew in popularity. Flower markets like Covent Garden supplied households with greenery, while women’s magazines published guides on festive home decorating. The wreath became not just a symbol, but also a fashionable statement piece.

Why We Hang Wreaths Today

So, what does the wreath mean for us in 2025? While few of us are consciously celebrating pagan rituals, Greek victories, or religious symbolism, the wreath continues to carry powerful associations:

• Eternity & Renewal – the circle reminds us of life’s cycles

• Hospitality – a wreath on the door signals warmth and welcome

• Tradition – wreaths connect us to generations before us

• Creativity – modern workshops turn the wreath into a personal expression

In essence, the Christmas/seasonal wreath is a blend of ancient rituals, Greek honour, Christian adaptation, and Victorian style , all wrapped in today’s trend for handmade, artisan craft.

The Symbolism of Wreath Elements

Even the materials used in wreaths carry meaning:

• Evergreen foliage (fir, spruce, pine) – eternal life, strength, hope

• Holly – protection, with its sharp leaves symbolising Christ’s crown of thorns

• Ivy – friendship, connection, and growth

• Pinecones – fertility, potential, new beginnings

• Dried oranges – warmth, the sun’s return, and prosperity

• Ribbons – love and unity

By choosing certain materials, wreaths become personal stories, layered with tradition.

From pagan evergreen circles to Greek laurel crowns, from Christian Advent traditions to Victorian parlour decorations, and now to luxury workshops in modern London, the Christmas wreath has always been more than decoration.

It’s a symbol of resilience, honour, and hospitality. A reminder that even in the darkest season, there is light, life, and connection.

So this Christmas, when you hang a wreath on your door, you’re not just decorating, you’re carrying forward a tradition thousands of years in the making. And if you’d like to make your own, why not join us at Blooms & Evergreen? Our London workshops combine history, creativity, and festive cheer for a tradition you’ll never forget.