Laurel wreath. Where did the laurel wreath come from?

The Greeks considered the laurel to be the tree of Apollo. There is a myth that a beautiful nymph named Daphne took a vow of chastity, but the god Apollo was so fascinated by her that he could not control himself and began to pursue her. Daphne began to pray to the gods for help, and they turned her into a laurel tree. The patron of the arts hugged him, but everything was in vain, the beautiful nymph could not be returned. Since then, the laurel has become the sacred tree of Apollo. Therefore, in Greece, all outstanding artists began to be awarded with laurel wreaths.

In the Roman Empire, the best warriors received a laurel wreath; it symbolized the peace that was to come with the overthrow of enemies. Emperors also wore wreaths made of laurel branches. The laurel was associated with the immaculate Vestals, so it became a symbol of chastity and piety.

Early Christians saw the laurel wreath as a symbol of martyrdom and eternal life. During the Hellenistic period, it became associated with glory. It is noteworthy that in the Middle Ages the laurel wreath disappeared from the list of traditional heraldic symbols; its revival occurred only at the end of the 18th century after the French Revolution.
By the way, the word “laureate” is directly related to this plant and means “crowned with laurel.”

Symbolism

The roots of laurel symbolism, as already mentioned, are in ancient times. So, what does a laurel wreath tattoo mean?

• Faith in victory. A person strives for victory with all his soul; there is nothing more important for him in life than to emerge victorious from any situation. For the sake of victory, he is ready to do absolutely anything.
• Determination. A laurel wreath tattoo indicates that a person spares no effort to achieve his goals. He has a fairly serious incentive to continue to move forward and achieve what he wants.
• Courage. Since wreaths of laurel branches were awarded to warriors who distinguished themselves more than others on the battlefield, it is also considered a symbol of courage, military honor and valor.
• Wisdom. Laurel wreaths were also worn by emperors, and only a wise emperor is able to rule long and justly.
• Greatness. A person who chooses such a tattoo dreams not only of living life with dignity, of realizing himself as a person, or of creating a happy family, but his dreams are much more global. He wants to achieve the highest position in society.
• Creation. The laurel wreath served as a reward for the best poets, musicians, and dancers. Such a tattoo can become a kind of amulet that attracts good luck in creative endeavors for young artists.
• Immortality of the soul. Laurel is an evergreen tree, so the association with eternal life is inevitable.

The laurel wreath is also found among prison tattoos. In this context, this symbol indicates that the prisoner was unfairly convicted, that he is serving a sentence for a crime that he did not commit. This meaning comes precisely from the Christian interpretation of the symbol.

Stylistic decisions

Both women and men love to reap laurels. The laurel wreath is most often depicted in black, without any decorative elements. But there are also more original ideas, for example, a laurel wreath with flowers and ribbons, inscriptions crowned with a laurel.

Such tattoos are rarely very large in size, so they look great almost anywhere. The most suitable places are the shoulder, forearm, lower leg, thigh, neck, between the shoulder blades.

Graphics are quite suitable for monochrome work. Many people mistakenly attribute all black and white works to this style, but this is fundamentally wrong. The graphics are different in that there are no halftones in the image, only black. All shadows are done using shading. Looks quite original.

If you still prefer colored tattoos, look through the works in the new school style. The style emerged not so long ago, about 30 years ago, and adopted a lot from the old school. Such tattoos look impressive thanks to the use of bright colors, clear and wide contours.

In any case, first discuss your future tattoo with the artists. Perhaps he will give you a truly unique idea.

IN ancient Greek culture The laurel represented victory and peace and was dedicated to Apollo and Dionysus. According to myth, Apollo pursued the nymph Daphne, who had promised to remain chaste. Daphne begged for help, and the gods turned her into a laurel tree, which Apollo hugged in vain. From now on, the laurel became his sacred plant. That is why in Greece musicians, poets, dancers, whose patron was Apollo, were awarded laurel wreaths, while athletes were crowned with olive or celery wreaths. Laurel groves grew at the top of Parnassus, the abode of the muses, and surrounded the temples of Apollo. Festive garlands and wreaths were woven from laurel leaves; at festivals in honor of Apollo, spectators wore laurel wreaths. Laurus was credited with not only healing powers, but also the power of cleansing from spiritual defilement. Laurel leaves were ritually cleansed from spilled blood; Apollo cleansed himself with them after killing Python. The goddess of victory Nike was depicted with a laurel wreath in her hands, which she places on the heads of the victorious heroes.

IN Ancient Rome the laurel wreath becomes the highest sign of military and imperial glory. It symbolized the peace that comes after defeating the enemy. Messages of victory and victorious weapons were wrapped around the laurel and folded in front of the image of Jupiter. Laurel wreaths and branches were depicted on coins and gems as attributes of Jupiter and Apollo. The first Roman emperors did not wear crowns, but decorated their heads with a laurel wreath. In ancient Rome, orators and poets also aspired to own a laurel wreath. In addition, the laurel was dedicated to the Vestal Virgins and personified purity.

IN early Christianity evergreen laurel leaves were considered a symbol of eternal life or new life that would come through the redemptive acts of Christ, and a laurel wreath symbolized martyrdom. St. Paul contrasts the incorruptible crown with which a Christian ascetic is crowned with the perishable crown that is received by the winner in the lists.

Already in Hellenistic era the laurel becomes a symbol of glory as such, and a laurel wreath or laurel branch becomes an emblem of glory. In the Middle Ages, laurel was not used in classical heraldry. But after the French Revolution of 1789, the laurel became the most popular emblem of France: laurel branches were included in the coat of arms of the French Republic, and in our time they are also included in the state emblems of Algeria, Brazil, Greece, Israel, Cuba, Mexico and other countries

IN the art of classicism The laurel became widespread as the main emblem of glory. It is found on awards received for successful participation in competitions by scientists, artists, musicians, poets, writers (who are therefore called laureates), as well as on most orders - signs of lifetime glory

Ovid "Metamorphoses"
Daphne

The bright, joyful god Apollo knows sadness, and grief befell him. He experienced grief shortly after defeating Python. When Apollo, proud of his victory, stood over the monster killed by his arrows, he saw near him the young god of love Eros, pulling his golden bow. Laughing, Apollo said to him:

- What do you need, child, such a formidable weapon? It’s better for me to send the smashing golden arrows with which I just killed Python. Can you be equal in glory to me, Arrowhead? Do you really want to achieve greater glory than me?

The offended Eros proudly answered Apollo:

- Your arrows, Phoebus-Apollo, do not miss, they strike everyone, but my arrow will strike you.

Eros flapped his golden wings and in the blink of an eye flew up to high Parnassus. There he took two arrows from the quiver: one - wounding the heart and evoking love, with which he pierced the heart of Apollo, the other - killing love, he shot it into the heart of the nymph Daphne, daughter of the river god Peneus.

Once he met the beautiful Daphne Apollo and fell in love with her. But as soon as Daphne saw the golden-haired Apollo, she began to run with the speed of the wind, because the arrow of Eros, killing love, pierced her heart. The silver-bowed god hurried after her.

“Stop, beautiful nymph,” cried Apollo, “why are you running from me, like a lamb pursued by a wolf, like a dove fleeing from an eagle, you rush!” After all, I’m not your enemy! Look, you hurt your feet on the sharp thorns of the thorns. Oh wait, stop! After all, I am Apollo, the son of the thunderer Zeus, and not a mere mortal shepherd.

But the beautiful Daphne ran faster and faster. As if on wings, Apollo rushes after her. He's getting closer. It's about to catch up! Daphne feels his breath. Her strength is leaving her. Daphne prayed to her father Peneus:

- Father Penei, help me! Open up quickly, earth, and swallow me up! Oh, take this image away from me, it causes me nothing but suffering!

As soon as she said this, her limbs immediately went numb. The bark covered her tender body, her hair turned into leaves, and her arms raised to the sky turned into branches. Apollo stood sadly in front of the laurel for a long time and finally said:

“Let a wreath of only your greenery adorn my head, and from now on let you decorate both my cithara and my quiver with your leaves.” May your greenery never wither, O laurel! Stay forever green!

And the laurel quietly rustled in response to Apollo with its thick branches and, as if in agreement, bowed its green top.

Delphi

The path of the ridges was blocked by the masses.
There is shadow and haze in the valleys.
Fedriadas burn in the sun
And Zeus's eagles scream.
The greatness of secrets and ancient power
A holy fear will be born in the soul.
The laurel groves are silent,
And the echo multiplies every sound.
Along the beds of ditches, at the bottom of gorges
The rumor of gray streams does not remain silent.
From the ulcers of the earth, from the mountain crevices,
Foggy breath rises like steam.
Here, crowned with vines, -
To the Valley of Delphi, to the mouth of the earth
pious path
Prayers brought me.
I swam across the sea after a dolphin
And at noon a white star
Me across the scorched plains
Led to the serpent's nest.
But the foremother Gaia is not free
Give birth to sons. Python fell silent
And they guard the serpent's cave
Sacred laurel, Delphic wolf.
And where Gad crawls gloomily
The midday ghost of the day darkened,
A stream of cold and transparent
It's oozing to kill the horse.
And where the quiver clinked with threat
And God struck the snake with an arrow,
The righteous oracle speaks,
And the laurel is bitter in the mouth of the Sibyls.
And the olive branch is a wild place
Keeps it under the merciful canopy,
Where is the god of the persecuted Orestes
He sheltered the Eumenides from the wrath.
In spontaneous chaos - the order of law.
On the abyss of the spirit - the splendor of vestments.
And the murdered Dionysus -
In a coffin in front of the temple of Apollo!

The sweet taste of victory, deafening applause, world fame and enthusiastic exclamations of admirers in honor of conquered peaks and new open horizons... All this is inextricably linked in our minds with such stable expressions as “to win the palm”, “to be kissed by Fortune” and “ put a laurel wreath on your head." All this has become so familiar and ordinary for us that few people even think about the meaning of the words listed, much less delve into the history of their appearance. Nevertheless, it is the awareness of the simplest truths that often turns out to be one of the most difficult tasks, and therefore it is sometimes very important to understand the essence of them.

Appeal to flora

Like many other realities of our modern life, such a concept as a “laurel wreath” originates in Ancient Greece, at the very origins of our cultural traditions, beliefs and views on art and the world in general. You don’t need to be an expert in biology to understand what this expression actually means.

The name of this item is quite obviously connected with one of the most ancient symbols borrowed from the world of flora - the laurel tree, common in the Mediterranean. However, the history of the emergence of this symbol is much more complex and romantic. In order to understand the essence of the meaning, one should turn to Greek mythology.

Connection with the golden-haired god

For a person who understands Antiquity, a laurel wreath is inextricably linked with the name of Apollo - the son of the powerful Zeus and the goddess Leto. Traditionally, this representative of the Greek pantheon is depicted as a beautiful young man with a bow in his hand and a harp behind his back. Thanks to his amazing beauty, grace and masculinity, he is considered a kind of ideal of male stature and appearance in general. And Apollo’s head is decorated with the famous laurel wreath, the appearance of which is associated with a romantic but tragic love story.

Arrow of Eros

According to myths, the beautiful son of Zeus, in addition to a keen eye and the gift of foresight, also had an excessively large conceit, for which he later had to pay. Eros, who decided to teach Apollo a lesson, pierced his heart with a magic arrow of love, and the young man was inflamed with love for the daughter of the river god Peneus, the nymph Daphne.

Fate was not favorable to the beautiful god, and the girl did not share his feelings. Obeying the torment of his heart, Apollo rushed in pursuit of Daphne, but was never able to catch up with her - exhausted, the nymph called out to her father, asking him for help and salvation. Peneus answered the plea of ​​his beloved daughter in a very unique way - Daphne’s thin frame was covered with bark, her hands turned into branches stretched to the sky, and her hair was replaced by green laurel leaves.

Realizing that he was not destined to be with his beloved, the son of Zeus wove a wreath in memory of his unrequited feelings for the beautiful nymph, which later became his symbol and permanent attribute.

First sign of victory

Nevertheless, the ending of this rather sad story turned out to be not so gloomy. Everyone knows that a laurel wreath is a symbol of victory in the modern world. This is precisely the meaning that the ancient Greeks put into it when they rewarded the best participants in the Pythian Games, which were held to honor the god of beauty and sunlight, Apollo. Since then, the world has made it a tradition to crown the head of the winner with a wreath of this evergreen plant with a sad history.

Laurus and other peoples

This tree had deep meaning and power not only for the Greeks and Romans, who inherited their traditions. The laurel wreath also had another meaning. For example, among the inhabitants of ancient China it symbolized eternal life and rebirth.

In the Christian tradition, this tree is almost inextricably linked with the funeral ceremony, since laurel wreaths were used, as a rule, at funerals.

Becoming a symbol of victory

Few people know, but the modern understanding of this unique decoration appeared largely thanks to the Great French bourgeois revolution. It was then that the laurel wreath - a symbol of victory - became such, entering heraldry. In the 18th century, the branches of this plant decorated the coat of arms of the French Republic, and then the banners of other countries.

Value conversion

It is no secret that the ancient Greeks and then the Romans paid great attention to sports, organizing numerous games and grandiose competitions. Decorating the head with a laurel wreath as a reward was in those days only available to outstanding wrestlers or, for example, spear throwers.

Nevertheless, times change, and traditions change along with them - in the modern world, not only athletes, but also outstanding figures of culture, art, science and even journalism are every now and then awarded the privilege of crowning their heads with a wreath of laurel leaves.

The biggest difference is that today it has become more of a common figurative expression than an actual material embodiment of the victory won. Nevertheless, medals, cups and certificates decorated with this floral ornament cannot be called a rarity at all today. The symbol of victory, which arose in the distant times of Antiquity, has survived to this day, transformed over time, but without losing its greatness.

The ancient Greeks believed that Apollo patronized singers, musicians and poets, so it was on the heads of the best of them that wreaths from the Laurel were placed. Some time passed and this custom spread to other segments of the population. Laurel wreath Now the winner at sports competitions could receive it, and the same wreath could be used to decorate a beautiful sculpture.
The tradition of rewarding the best with a wreath of laurel leaves has survived to this day.
Many people do not even suspect that the expression " laurels of the winner"either term" laureate" are directly related to the name of this humble plant. Today, the appearance of images of laurel tree leaves in the form of a wreath in heraldic science is taken for granted.

This ancient symbol was rediscovered and began to be widely used in heraldry after the French Revolution, which occurred in 1789 - 1794 years. It was after the bourgeois revolution in France that Laurel branches appeared on its coat of arms. This sign means glory and victory and is located on the coats of arms, as well as heraldic symbols of many countries around the world. Today it can be found on many coins, both ancient and modern .

Since this tree produces a huge amount of essential oils in its leaves, this will allow the Laurel to constantly have a green tint. It is precisely this circumstance that can explain the origin of the legend of the Laurel wreath, a symbol of eternal life. In early Christianity, unlike Ancient Rome, the symbol of a laurel branch meant eternal the life it gives Jesus Christ by his painful death on the cross.

Without any doubt, myths are the cultural heritage of all humanity, but the bay leaf gained its fame as a spice due to its delicate smell. Moreover, it is difficult to find a similar plant in nature that would live and develop throughout 1000 years.
Another symbol for placing a wreath on the head of the winner is to wish him long life.

All Christian saints have halos around their heads; this is nothing more than an imitation of the Ancient Romans to designate an outstanding face with a laurel wreath above their head.

Read more.

Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Apollo and Daphne. 1622-1625

≈ Laurel tree / Laurel wreath / Laurel branch / Laurels /

Greek daphne, lat. laurus

Bot.: Ordinary laurel(Laurus nobilis), a small tree (2 to 5 m) or tall shrub of the laurel family (Lauraceae). The perennial leaves are oblong-lanceolate and have wavy-folded edges. The berry-shaped fruit is oval, black. Asia Minor is considered its homeland. The essential oil contained in its leaves and fruits determines its value as a seasoning (leaves) and medicinal (fruits).

Of the various laurel trees (among which cinnamon and avocado are found), the small-leaved laurel, Laurus nobilis, from which the crown of the winner was made, has an ancient and enduring symbolic significance.

Since Greco-Roman antiquity, the laurel, its branches, laurel wreaths and garlands have been a symbol of glory, victory or peace. The triumphants wore a laurel wreath; the ships of the winners were decorated with laurels. On especially solemn occasions, the entire people were crowned with laurels. The words laureate and, possibly, bachelor (baccalauratus) come from the custom of decorating the heads of people who have succeeded in science or art (elevated to the degree of doctor) with laurels.

Since bay leaves never fade, remaining green, laurel has become a symbol of eternity, renewal of life and immortality. This meaning is more typical for a laurel wreath or garland.

The laurel's association with chastity seems to date back to its dedication to the Vestal Virgins and Diana.

The idea of ​​involvement in fertility in one sense or another is characteristic of all plant symbolism.

Victory, outstanding achievements in literature

Psychology

The laurel tree is a symbol of victory over oneself and the fruitful world that is its result; or victory over ignorance and fanaticism.

There is no achievement without struggle and victory. Therefore, the laurel expresses the unity of the hero with the motives and fruits of his victories.

Freemasonry

During initiation into the 4th degree of the Master's secret, laurel and olive wreaths are laid on the altar.

Art

A girl with laurel branches growing from her hands - Daphne.

A laurel grove grows on the top of Parnassus, the abode of the muses.

In portraiture, a laurel bush or branch indicates that the model is a literary or artistic figure.

Emblematics

The laurel bush was the emblem of Lorenzo de' Medici (1448-1492), with the motto "Ita ut virtus" (Latin - "Such is virtue", i.e. unfading, like the evergreen laurel).

Laurel wreath nailed to a board.

It's reliable.

It is necessary to carefully preserve the respect and honor that we receive as recognition of our great deeds or valiant deeds.

Bay tree.

Few will reach me.

The symbol is a reward for great and heroic deeds.

Laurel tree with branches cut off, except for one branch at the top.

I grow on a tree that has known triumphs.

A symbol of respect for the memory of our ancestors and those who raised us.

Laurel tree struck by lightning fire.

My ancient rights do not protect me.

A symbol that nothing can protect us from the wrath of Heaven.

Laurel wreath.

This is the crown for learning and valor.

Poets and conquerors were crowned with laurel. Poets - because this tree was dedicated to the god of learning and poetry Apollo. (See Fig. 6 in Table 34)

Thunder and lightning over the laurel.

Virtue is bold.

In the fury of storm and thunder,

When other trees have already fallen,

Only evergreen laurel

He boldly goes towards his destiny.

So, not knowing dangers and fears, he behaves

Whose armor is virtue.

While the immoral, terror-stricken

They tremble with every insignificant blow.

A dead bay tree stump that has released a fresh sprout.

I take life from his death.

A symbol of death as the beginning of life, happiness and health, and life as an ever-living hope for immortality, which we can find because our main parent died for us - the greatest conqueror of death, Christ, crowned with laurels.

Laurel supporting a vine.

Not for yourself, but for the benefit of others.

A symbol of today's way of life, where one person suffers hardships, while the other has benefits and advantages.

Laurel and sun.

I am always held in high esteem.

A symbol that virtue and work, crowned with success, flourish forever. So the laurel is a sign of completed work, which can withstand any blow and withstand any shock.

Laurel wreath.

The first Roman emperors did not wear crowns, but decorated their heads with a laurel wreath, which, as has been repeatedly stated, is a symbol of victory and royal power. In ancient Rome, orators and poets also aspired to own a laurel wreath (See Figure 13 in Table 48.)

Laurel wreath.

For those who wish and who deserve it.

When the time of trial is over,

You will receive the crown you rightfully deserve.

Laurel and myrrh branches.

One complements the other.

A symbol of good deeds that have true value and dignity, which will always accompany and reward each other. A laurel branch was rewarded for valor. The myrrh branch was used during triumphs and festivals to decorate and impart a noble scent to the triumphant crowned with a laurel wreath. In fact, during major triumphs called ovations, myrtle branches were used rather than myrrh sprigs. (See Figure 6 in Table 34 and Figure 3 in Table 37.)

Bay tree.

It is impossible to take tribute from him without bitterness.

Great and glorious things cannot be accomplished without overcoming difficulties and solving problems. Likewise, one cannot advance along the path of accomplishment without suppressing one’s passions and lusts, which is no less difficult for us than picking bay leaves, which makes one’s hands taste very bitter.

Laurel branch.

I don't change until I die.

Symbol of constancy.

Laurel wreath nailed to a board. //It's reliable. It is necessary to carefully preserve the respect and honor that we receive as recognition of our great deeds or valiant deeds. [SE-II, tab.53-13, p.331]

Laurel tree.//Few will achieve me. symbol of a reward for great and heroic deeds. [Emblemata-2; table 8-3, p.137]

Laurel tree with branches cut off, except for one branch at the top. //I grow on a tree that has known triumphs. a symbol of respect for the memory of our ancestors and those who raised us. [Emblemata-2; table 10-2, p. 145]

Laurel tree struck by lightning fire. //My ancient rights do not protect me. a symbol that nothing can protect us from the wrath of Heaven. [SE-II, tab. 21-9, p. 192]

Laurel. //This is a crown for learning and valor. Poets and conquerors were crowned with laurel. Poets - because this tree was dedicated to the god of learning and poetry Apollo. According to Ovid, Apollo's beloved Daphne was turned into a laurel. (See Fig. 6 in Table 34) [SE-II, Table 23-11, p. 200]

Thunder and lightning over the laurel. //Virtue is bold. In the fury of storm and thunder, When other trees have already been defeated, Only the evergreen laurel boldly goes towards its fate. Thus, not knowing dangers and fears, the one whose armor is virtue leads. While the immoral, struck with horror, tremble at every insignificant blow. [SE-II, tab. 25-9, p. 209]

A dead bay tree stump that has released a fresh sprout. //I take life from his death. a symbol of death as the beginning of life, happiness and health, and life as an ever-living hope for immortality, which we can find because our main parent died for us - the greatest conqueror of death, Christ, crowned with laurels. [SE-II, tab.45-6, p.298]

Laurel supporting a vine. //Not for yourself, but for the benefit of others. a symbol of today's way of life, where one person suffers hardships, while the other has benefits and advantages. [SE-II, tab. 26-6, p. 212]

Laurel and sun. //I am always held in high esteem. a symbol that virtue and work, crowned with success, flourish forever. So the laurel is a sign of completed work, which can withstand any blow and withstand any shock. [SE-II, tab.30-9, p.228]

Laurel wreath The first Roman emperors did not wear a crown, but decorated their heads with a laurel wreath, which, as has been repeatedly stated, was a symbol of victory and royal power. In Ancient Rome, orators and poets also aspired to own a Taurus wreath (See Fig. 13 in tab. 48.) [SE-II, tab. 34-6, p. 247]

Laurel wreath. //For those who wish and who deserve. When the time of trial ends, you will receive the crown you rightfully deserve. [SE-II, tab.59-2, p.353]

Laurel and myrrh branches. //One complements the other. a symbol of good deeds that have genuine value and dignity, which will always accompany and reward each other. A laurel branch was rewarded for valor. The myrrh branch was used during triumphs and festivals to decorate and impart a noble scent to the triumphant crowned with a laurel wreath. In fact, during major triumphs called ovations, myrtle branches were used rather than myrrh sprigs. [SE-II, tab.35-9, p.253]

Laurel wreath. (See Fig. 6 in Table 34 and Fig. 3 in Table 37.) [SE-II, tab. 48-13, p. 311]

Bay tree. //It is impossible to take tribute from him without bitterness. Great and glorious things cannot be accomplished without overcoming difficulties and solving problems. Likewise, one cannot advance along the path of accomplishment without suppressing one’s passions and lusts, which is no less difficult for us than picking bay leaves, which makes one’s hands taste very bitter. [SE-II, tab.53-14, p.331]

Antiquity

Victory, triumph, truce and peace. Being evergreen, laurel symbolizes eternity and immortality.

A sacred plant in the cult of the solar gods. Hence the varied use of its branches and leaves during triumphs and worship among the Greeks and Romans.

Laurel wreaths and branches were depicted on coins and gems as attributes of Jupiter and Apollo.

During sacrifices, priests wore laurel wreaths and burned laurel branches along with the sacrificial animals: their crackling was considered a good omen.

Holiday garlands and wreaths were woven from laurel leaves.

Award for "Apollo's favorites" - poets.

“The crowning of poets, actors or winners with a laurel wreath did not mean a tribute to the external, visual sanctification of the act, but a recognition that this act by its very existence speaks of the recognition of victories over the negative and corrupting influence of passions.”

Dedicated to Apollo.

The myth of the transformation of his beloved Daphne into a laurel bush was intended to explain the connection between God and this plant.

A symbol of magical power, it is a plant of soothsayers and sorcerers. With its help, Apollo made predictions; laurel groves surrounded the temples of Apollo. The Pythia at Delphi chewed laurel leaves as she sat on a laurel-crowned tripod. In addition to chewing laurel (laurel eaters), diviners also burned it before making a prediction.

Bay leaves were credited with healing powers and the ability to cleanse spiritual defilement. Bay leaves were used in the ritual of cleansing from spilled blood. So Apollo cleansed himself with laurel after killing the dragon-serpent Python and Orestes, who killed his mother Clytemnestra.

For centuries, the goddess Nike (Victoria) has been depicted holding a laurel wreath, which she places on the head of victorious heroes. It also symbolized the peace that follows victory over the enemy.

In the Pythian games, laurel was awarded to the winners.

Laurel was also sacred to the god of ecstasy Dionysus (along with ivy),

Resurrection, renewal, glory and honor

Dedicated to Jupiter: it was believed that the laurel tree (the only tree planted by man) was never struck by lightning and, moreover, saves from it. Also dedicated to Juno, Diana, Silvanus.

Since the laurel was dedicated to the Vestal Virgins, who took a vow of chastity forever, it personifies purity.

Victorious messages and weapons were wrapped around the laurel and folded in front of the image of Jupiter.

It was considered a protective plant: at Ludi Apollinaris (Latin - festivals in honor of Apollo), the original purpose of which was to prevent the epidemic, spectators wore laurel wreaths.

Christianity

Borrowed from ancient culture as a symbol of the victory of the Christian faith over death.

Eternity and chastity. In early Christianity, a symbol of eternal life or new life that will come thanks to the redemptive acts of Christ.

St. Paul contrasts the incorruptible crown with which a Christian ascetic is crowned with the perishable crown that is received by the winner in the lists (1 Cor. 9:24-27).

A laurel wreath also symbolizes martyrdom.

Illustrations

Gnostic gem depicting Janus crowned with a laurel wreath. (Rome).

Laurel, whose wood resists lightning. W. H. von Hochberg, 1675