We can trace the wreath back to the Romans when they would hang a wreath on their doors to show a sign of their status or a victory in battle.
Wealthy Roman women wore them as headdresses at weddings and other special occasions.
Everyone is familiar with the laurel wreath as adornment for Emperors and presented to winners in the Olympics.
Wreath comes from the word writhen and describes the twisting and turning of evergreen boughs that make up a wreath.
The origin of today’s wreaths could have started with the English custom of kissing boughs, which were common before people began to put up Christmas trees.
Kissing boughs were made up of five wooden hoops twisted with greens like evergreen, holly, ivy or rosemary. In the center of the hoops were red apples and the bottom hoop had a candle and a mistletoe ball that hung down.
Like the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe, these gift ideas will get you lots of kisses from your gift recipients.
Poinsettia Coasters Set of 2
Snowman Charm Bracelet, Handmade Czech Red Cranberry Christmas Jewelry
Fingerless gloves crochet
Holly Earrings Heart Charms
Vintage Holly Leaves and Berries Throw Pillow
Crocheted Newborn Christmas Maryjanes Headband Antique White Red Silk Rose
XLarge Buckeye Burl Wooden and Resin Dangle Oval Earrings
Red Green Christmas Earrings, Swarovski Ornament Jewelry Gift Holidays
Christmas Wine Charms
Red Green and Gold Holiday Beadwoven Superduo Cuff Handmade Bracelet
Friends Fishing Trip Christmas Ornament Handmade From Birch Plywood
Lamp Work Bead Santa Earrings
Handmade Large Hole Lampwork Beads, Christmas Holiday Bead Set, Red Green White
Santa Christmas Key Chain, Holiday Key Ring
In addition to these fantastic gift selections, each of these artists have their own shops filled with more gift ideas, so be sure and stop and shop with each one.
If you see something you like, buy it now or forever lose it as handmade gifts sell out quickly!
Shop from these additional countdowns and pages:
Countdown to Christmas 2019 Week 1
Countdown to Christmas 2019 Week 2
Countdown to Christmas 2019 Week 3
Countdown to Christmas 2019 Week 4
Countdown to Christmas 2019 Week 5
Countdown to Christmas 2019 Week 6
Countdown to Christmas 2019 Week 7
Countdown to Christmas 2019 Week 8
Countdown to Christmas 2019 Week 9
Countdown to Christmas 2019 Week 10
Countdown to Christmas 2019 Week 11
Christmas Traditions – The Candy Cane
Christmas Traditions – Christmas Carols
Christmas Traditions – Christmas Bells
Christmas Traditions – Christmas Candles
Christmas Traditions – Christmas Lights
Christmas Traditions – The Pickle
Christmas Traditions – The Poinsettia
Christmas Traditions – Christmas Trees
Christmas Traditions – Christmas Cards
Christmas Traditions – Christmas Gifts
Don’t see the perfect gift? Ask an artist to help you design something.
Shop now!
Julie
Love where the name of "wreath" came from: writhen. Perfect description. Thanks, as always, for another wonderful read. And thanks for including my red Swarovski ornament Christmas earrings in with all the other beauties. Will share far and wide. Treats to the Handsome Florida Pu from the Speckled Desert Moose.
ReplyDeleteI meant "Pup" instead of "Pu" although I'm sure you said "pu" around Harry a time or two or three . . .
Deletelol :)
DeleteInteresting read on the wreath. I am so glad I do not wear a wreath on my head. Can you imagine the itching?
ReplyDeleteThank you Julie and Harry for another great blog. Thanks for including my snowman bracelet. Off to share.
Thank you, Julie! I always look forward to your midweek post to see what color theme you'll use. Red is my favorite color so I especially liked the items shown here. Thanks for including my Santa earrings. Sharing soon!
ReplyDeleteThank you Julie and Harry! Enjoyed your fascinating story about wreaths. Pinned and tweeted all of the beautiful handamde gift ideas too!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Julie for the wreath info, how interesting. Thank you, for including my shawl. Shared everywhere.
ReplyDeleteLove the kissing boughs! So much fun! Thanks for this post, Julie, and for all the work you've put into the BME Countdown to Christmas. Can't believe it's almost over! Will be pinning everything and doing some tweeting.
ReplyDeleteThanks for including my earrings. Promoting.
ReplyDeleteJulie, it's so interesting about wreaths. Thanks for including my wine charms. Pinned https://www.pinterest.com/lindab142/pins/
ReplyDelete