What does the wreath symbolize? Wreath
A wreath (Greek stephanos, Lat. corona) is a headband made of leaves and flowers, similar to a crown, but much less durable and much more indicative of temporary difference than indicative of power. Wreaths were not always worn as head decorations; they also served as offerings, gifts with the meaning of a circle (durability, strength) when providing honors and at funerals. In ancient times, the symbol of the ring was combined in a wreath with the symbol of the vitality of plants. Wreaths were placed on the heads of competition winners and triumphants, but at the same time they also decorated the heads of sacrificial animals. In Christian symbolism, a wreath is often a symbol of victory over darkness and sin, for example the wreath of a virgin or the wreath carried by a girl at her first communion among Catholics; The bride's wreath, often made in the form of a crown, has the same meaning. In the Bible, Isaiah (28:5) says: “In that day the Lord of hosts will be a magnificent crown and a glorious diadem for the remnant of His people.” Flower wreaths serve as symbols of earthly joys and a luxurious lifestyle. A wreath of ivy leaves, according to an ancient popular belief, supposedly protects against Now during church holidays, God's churches are decorated with wreath-like garlands of branches and flowers, symbols of eternal life, resurrection and joy.
The crown of thorns of Christ should be perceived as a parody of the crown of roses of the Roman emperor Caesar. In this regard, it is considered an attribute of such saints as Mary Magdalene, Veronica and Catherine, while Saints Cecilia and Flavius are decorated with a wreath of roses
. Real crowns were often made in the form of metal wreaths. From the point of view of the science of symbols, the origin of such transitions is quite explainable (Latin “sogopa” and English “crown” simultaneously mean both a wreath and a crown), although, of course, with a wreath the meaning of greatness does not come first. Laurel wreaths were a symbol of Apollo, wreaths of parsley (or olive branches) during the Nemean Games - of Zeus, wreaths of ears of corn were dedicated to Demeter (lat. Ceres), wreaths of pine branches - to Poseidon, wreaths of fennel - to the Phrygian god agriculture Sabazia, wreaths of oak leaves adorned heroes who saved people from mortal danger.
Ukrainian women's wreath is not just a decoration. The wreath is the strongest Slavic amulet. Ukrainian people believe that the wreath contains such power that it relieves pain and protects hair.
What wildflowers are there in the wreath? And what do they symbolize?
Chamomile - gives people health, kindness, tenderness.
Viburnum is beauty. Periwinkle is a symbol of life.
Cherry and apple flowers - mother's love.
Cornflower - Flowers of a soft blue color, like the eyes of a girl, are woven into a wreath as a symbol of beauty, health, and strength.
Poppy - good dream. People's attention has always been attracted by the bright beauty of poppies. People sing: There is no better color from the crown. There is no sweeter kind from the mother. This beautiful flower has become a symbol of girlish beauty. The boys wore poppies in their buttonholes. The red color of the flower symbolized sincere and pure feelings.
But in addition to flowers, multi-colored ribbons are also woven into a wreath.
The light brown ribbon is the earth-nurse.
The yellow ribbon is the sun.
Green ribbon – beauty and youth.
Blue and blue ribbon - water and sky.
Orange ribbon - bread.
The purple ribbon is human wisdom.
Pink ribbon - well-being.
White ribbon - memory of ancestors.
Ukrainian wreaths made of artificial and fresh flowers with ribbons as a girl’s headdress enjoyed worldwide fame.
There is every reason to believe that the Ukrainian wreath with ribbons, which has been an integral element of the Ukrainian national costume since ancient times, is a wish for “clear, peaceful skies” above the head of the one who wears it. This is a kind of amulet against everything bad and unkind.
For a Ukrainian girl, a wreath was a symbol of maiden honor, girlhood; it protected her from the “evil eye,” from “evil spirits.” In summer, a wreath was woven from fresh flowers: cornflowers, poppies, daisies, marigolds. The wreath is also a symbol of eternal love, a symbol of the infinity of your family.
Wreaths were left on trees and attics to protect against lightning, placed under the first sheaf to increase the next harvest, placed in a mother hen's nest, in a newborn's cradle, hidden under clothes from witches, and hung in fields and vegetable gardens. The girls washed themselves with water from a wet wreath for beauty and health.
The wreath was given to men as a talisman if they went to war.
To make a talisman for love, childbirth, wealth and happiness, garlic, onions, ribbons, ears of bread, sweets, rings, and special magical herbs were woven into the wreath.
A wreath - made of artificial flowers, threads - was often placed on the groom's hat, protecting him from the evil eye
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It was the custom of presenting a wreath to a loved one as a sign of matchmaking that later grew into the exchange of rings - betrothal. Previously, after the wedding, the bride threw her wreath, not a bouquet, into the crowd of bridesmaids. Whoever catches it will get married sooner than others.
Our ancestors realized that it was with their “head” that they understood the world around them and influenced it. Therefore, with the help of hats, they tried to protect themselves from the evil eye and other spells of malicious people. There was a belief that wreaths nailed to doors provided the whole family with health for the whole year.
People started weaving wreaths a long time ago. For example, it is known that the ancient Romans met in myrtle wreaths at feasts, which were then called symposiums. And not without reason: they believed that such a wreath would relieve intoxication!
The Romans also crowned their heroes with wreaths of myrtle for civil valor and a successful quick war. br/>
Oak branches decorated warriors who saved a comrade in battle. By the way, the oak is dedicated to the beloved god of the Romans - Jupiter.
The ancient Romans and Greeks awarded laurel wreaths to their compatriots for military exploits, acting or poetic talent. "Laureatus" in Greek means "crowned with laurel." From here, we note, came the laureates of all subsequent eras and peoples!
In Ancient Greece, those who were going to recite the poems of Aeschylus or Simonides wore a myrtle wreath. This is how they expressed special respect for these poets.
The highest ranks of Athens wore wreaths as a sign of power. The petitioners came to them with a myrtle wreath in their hands as a sign of respect.
A wreath made of terribly prickly thorns was given to those sentenced to death. Christ was crucified in it.
According to the famous myth, in a dispute about beauty, Aphrodite wore a wreath of myrtle. As a result, it was to her that Paris gave the ill-fated apple.
The Greeks also believed that the myrtle wreath was worn by the muse of erotic poetry Erato and the god of marriage Hymen.
Wreaths for real men.
In the Middle Ages, until orders and medals appeared, wreaths were military insignia.
In Western countries, there used to be a custom of presenting a wreath to a loved one as a sign of matchmaking. Later it was transformed into an exchange of rings - betrothal. And after the wedding, the bride threw her wreath, not a bouquet, into the crowd of bridesmaids. Whoever catches it will get married sooner than others.
By the way, in countries with warm climates, a wedding wreath was made from orange flowers. "Orange blossom" literally translates to "orange blossoms." Over time, such a wreath was replaced by the traditional bridal bouquet.
A wreath is a symbol of girlhood.
In Rus', wreaths have their own traditions. A wedding wreath was considered a symbol of girlhood. Married women did not wear wreaths, nor did widows getting married or brides who lost their virginity before marriage. The latter could be “awarded” with half a wreath as a sign of shame. And adulterers were provided with a wreath of sheep's wool.
Orange blossom
The bride kept the wedding wreath for happiness in marriage. They hung them near the images, put them in the cradle so that the child would grow up healthy, and were given as an amulet to adult sons when they left to serve.
In order to increase the magical power of the wreath, the most incomprehensible things were woven into it, for example; garlic, onion, hot pepper, red threads. In addition, bread, oats, coins, sugar,
On Thursday before Trinity, our ancestors “curled their wreaths.” They twisted the branches on a young birch tree in rings without breaking them and tied them. The first wreath is for yourself. The second is for your loved one. Subsequent ones - to relatives. On Trinity Sunday they went to develop wreaths. A withered or independently developed wreath promised death or celibacy.
The dream of a lost wreath foreshadowed seduction.
And on Trinity Day, the girls wore a wreath of herbs and flowers on their heads all day. In the evening, each threw her wreath into the river. Whoever nails the wreath to the shore will get married.
According to popular wisdom, ugly girls and girls with bad skin should wash themselves from a wreath thrown on the water in order to become more beautiful.
Amulet
In Rus' and Europe, a wreath was considered a talisman. So, heading to the forest lake, it was supposed to wear a wreath with wormwood - a sure cure for mermaids.
Wreaths made of oak branches protected fields, vegetable gardens and livestock from harm.
After St. George's Day, wreaths were thrown onto the roofs of houses so that the witches would not harm the livestock.
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