Wreath of ancient Greece. Where did the laurel wreath come from?

Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Apollo and Daphne. 1622-1625

≈ Bay 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 oldest and most resilient symbolic meaning has a laurel with small leaves - Laurus nobilis - from which the crown of the winner was made.

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. In particular special occasions The whole 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

Girl, growing from her hands laurel branches- Daphne.

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

IN portrait painting a laurel bush or branch indicates that the model is a literary or artistic figure.

Emblematics

The laurel bush was the emblem Lorenzo Medici(1448-1492), with the motto “Ita ut virtus” (Latin - “Such is virtue”, i.e. unfading, like an 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 grapevine.

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 attributed healing power and the ability to cleanse from 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 through 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

Noun, number of synonyms: 6 laurel crown (1) laurels (9) laurels of the winner (5) ... Synonym dictionary

Laurel wreath- Book Same as Laurel crown. The poem "Supreme Bliss" did not do much strong impression in public. The laurel wreath has already been woven for the author, but still invisibly (Karamzin. About Bogdanovich and his works). We also talked about art. How… … Phrasebook Russian literary language

Or a laurel branch since Greco-Roman antiquity, a symbol of glory, victory or peace. The triumphants wore a laurel wreath; the ships of the winners were decorated with laurels. On special occasions, the entire people were married to L.; During sacrifices, priests wore...

Laurel wreath- among the ancient Greeks and Romans, a symbol of victory, triumph, glory. A laurel wreath was decorated with faces who won in various competitions and competitions (discus throwers, runners, poets, speakers, musicians). The tradition has survived to this day.… … Architectural Dictionary

Laurel wreath- A wreath of laurel leaves as a symbol of victory, triumph (the ancient Greeks and Romans awarded such a wreath to winners in various competitions and competitions) ... Dictionary of many expressions

Book Symbol of glory, victory, reward. F 1, 53... Big dictionary Russian sayings

Laurel wreath- from the ancients Greeks and Romans symbol of victory, triumph, glory. L.v. the faces of those who won the victory were decorated. competitions and competitions (discus throwers, runners, poets, speakers, musicians) ... Ancient world. encyclopedic Dictionary

LAUREL WREATH- The dream foretells victory in all areas of activity. Imagine being given a bucket full of laurel branches (see Bucket)… Big family dream book

Or the branch of L., since Greco-Roman antiquity a symbol of glory, victory or peace. The triumphants wore a laurel wreath; the ships of the winners were decorated with laurels. On special occasions, the entire people were married to L.; the priests wore laurel during sacrifices... ... Encyclopedic Dictionary F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Ephron

And (obsolete) LAURAL, laurel, laurel. 1. adj. to laurel in 1 value Laurel Grove. Bay leaf(dried laurel leaf with a strong aromatic odor, used as a seasoning for dishes). 2. in meaning noun laurel, laurel, units. laurel, laurel... Dictionary Ushakova

Books

• Laurel wreath, Konstantin Paustovsky. The collection includes well-known stories about Russian writers and artists, as well as literary portraits Russian cultural figures of both the past and contemporaries and friends of Constantine...

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 “to 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.

Name of this subject It 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, you 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 masculine and appearance in general. And the famous laurel wreath adorns the head of Apollo, the appearance of which is associated with a romantic, but tragic story love.

Arrow of Eros

According to myths, wonderful son Zeus, besides good eye and the gift of foresight, he 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, this ending is quite sad story turned out to be not so gloomy. Everyone knows that a laurel wreath is a symbol of victory in modern world. This is precisely the meaning that the ancient Greeks put into it, rewarding best participants Pythian games, organized 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, residents ancient China he symbolized eternal life and revival.

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

Becoming a symbol of victory

Few people know, but modern understanding 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.

Among the Celts, Germans and Italians, oak was revered as a sacred tree. From them these ancient customs passed on to the Romans. Evidence of this can be seen in the “civil wreath” that was awarded to a soldier who saved the life of a Roman citizen in battle. The wreath, accompanied by the inscription “O.C.S” (“ob cirem servatum” - “to the savior of the [Roman] citizen”, Lat.), can be considered one of the most ancient military distinctions. We find the same wreath of woven branches in much closer times on the Order of the Oak Crown, established by the ruler of the Netherlands, when this grand duchy was still under Dutch rule.

However, primacy in the symbolic representation of military valor and, as a rule, noble birth, gradually won the laurel from the oak tree (in Italian - “alloro”), sacred tree Apollo. It is not for nothing that the laurel is called the noble laurel (Laurus nobilis). Not only victorious generals during a triumph were crowned with a laurel “triumphal” wreath, but also emperors, and also, and most of all, poets.

As for the laurel wreath

In coats of arms, the laurel appears in the same variants as the oak, but unlike oak trees, separate laurel wreath leaves are much more common, not to mention the laurel wreath. Even more often you can find the image of a laurel on “speaking” coats of arms (Laurenti, Lauri, Loro, Loredano, last name is derived from Loreto = Lauretus).

Family coat of arms of the family Puccini (Pistoia) “Alternating gold and red pillars and green laurel wreath

Laurel branch, a hawk and a curved Turkish saber - this is what is depicted in the coat of arms of the Marazzi family, which is presented on this page. He appears to proclaim openly aggressive intentions: glory to you if you fight bravely with weapons. The idea is exactly the opposite of that symbolized by the images of a dove holding an olive branch.

Olive (Olea europea) is a symbol of peace, but also of victory, since victory precedes and ensures what follows peaceful existence.

In addition, the olive also signifies chastity - and nowadays marriage announcements are decorated with a garland of wreaths made of olive branches. In Ancient Rome, the olive wreath was also awarded to those who indirectly contributed to the victory, as was the case with Lepidus (Lepidus is the common name of the Aemilian family - Note).

The fact that the dove appeared before Noah with an olive branch in its beak could have been considered an accident if Greek mythology had not found a more detailed and subtle explanation for it: Cecrops (the founder of Athens - Note trans.) choosing a name for the city and the symbol fluctuated between the olive of the goddess Athena and the horse of Poseidon. In the end he settled on the name and gifts of the goddess. Poseidon's horse symbolized war, while the olive symbolized the oil trade, which flourishes only in years of peace, and peace is always preferable to war.

Personal coat of arms of Dunson-Richardson Carrer (York, UK) “Dissected: on the right, quadruple: in the first and fourth fields an ermine with three black double sashes, a blue head with a silver leopard (Carrer); in the second and third golden field there is a red belt, accompanied on the sides by three laurel branches natural colored band on the right, two at the head and one at the end (Rondell); left: three green in a silver field laurel leaf(2, 1) pillar (Folais)"

The laurel family includes mainly evergreen, and sometimes deciduous, trees and shrubs. They are distributed in tropical and subtropical zones. In Russia, the noble laurel is found on the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus, and in Ukraine - in the Crimea.

Laurel leaves contain essential oil in large quantities, which has pronounced bactericidal properties and also has a calming effect. This oil stimulates the secretion of the bronchial mucous glands. The vapor of laurel essential oil is characterized by good volatility, due to which it creates delicate aroma. When used for steaming in a bathhouse, a laurel broom cleanses the skin well (and cleansed skin copes with its functions better), makes breathing easier, and relieves all anxiety and stress.

When using a decoction or infusion of bay laurel leaves internally, your appetite increases many times over. The bitterness contained in the leaves stimulates the formation and secretion of bile.

Laurel branches are durable and flexible. A broom made from such branches is excellent for a bath procedure as a massager and lasts for quite a long time.

The best time to harvest laurel brooms is late spring and all summer. It is advisable to harvest laurel branches in dry weather. It is better to take branches from the middle part of the plant - these branches are straighter and more flexible, the leaves on them are not very rigid and are often located. A broom made from such branches looks fluffier, and the leaves on them hold on tighter.

Laurel laurel is often used as ornamental plant, and the branches of rapidly growing bushes are regularly pruned. During the next such cutting of laurel trellises, you can collect an unlimited number of suitable branches.

Dry the cut branches in the shade, in a well-ventilated place (for example, under a canopy). From slightly dried laurel branches you can knit brooms, placing longer and stronger ones in the middle, and short and fluffy ones at the edges. The finished broom is tied in two places with hemp rope or a bandage, and after final drying it is tightened. Laurel brooms are stored in a ventilated pantry; in winter, on a balcony or loggia in a closet, or in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. The shelf life of a laurel bath broom is two to three years. A broom stored longer gradually loses its beneficial features- the essential oil from the leaves evaporates, and the vitamins are destroyed.

Bay broom is steamed in the same way as birch broom, however, experienced steamers recommend a quick steaming method - over a stove - since long soaking in cold water and subsequent steaming in hot water bay leaves are losing a large number of substances useful for the human body, and then using a broom does not achieve the necessary healing effect.

It is recommended to periodically splash the water in which the bay broom was soaked (and which, in fact, is an infusion of bay leaves) onto the hot stones of the stove. The pleasant smell of laurel improves mood and has a healing effect on organs and systems (the mechanism underlying aromatherapy is triggered).

After use, the broom is rinsed with cool water, dried and stored in a cool, dry place until the next bath procedure.

By the way, it looks great in the bathhouse