Outside Wreaths

And why wreaths were hung outside the door?

Originally, the circle was called a diadem "and took the form of bands of tissue that are sometimes adorned with jewels. Beginning in 776 BC, wreaths of laurel leaves were used to crown victors of Olympic Games. Later, when the Games began to migrate to different cities, each host city prices head garlands made of branches of local trees.

Exactly when the transition from head ornament to wall decoration occurred is unclear. It is likely that participants simply hung celebration leaves headbands on their walls as souvenirs.

Perhaps the best use of this symbol is the Advent wreath. Although its true origin is unknown, some believe it was inspired by the Swedish Crown of Lights, a crown of candles on worn by young Swedish girls on the day of Santa Lucia. St. Lucia is a young Christian martyr who gave his entire dowry to the poor.