Making Your Own Wreath
Every year a lot of households locally and globally decorate their homes with a wreath of some kind usually hanging on the exterior of their front doors or inside their home above a fireplace mantle or going up a staircase. Some even mount a wreath on the front grill of their car or truck to signify the holidays along with some reindeer horns.
In today’s world they have wreaths for every occasion from Valentines to Harvest Day. But for the sake of time I am going to briefly talk about this time of the year with winter fast approaching.
Wreaths have many symbolic meanings from the circular shape and evergreen material of a wreath representing eternal life.
In the Christian faith, wreaths are used to observe Advent. During Advent, candles are often placed on the wreath to symbolize the light of Jesus.
The circular shape of the wreath represents Christ’s suffering and triumph over death.
Evergreens symbolize the continuity of life and nature and remind people that spring will come again. Here in the Pacific Northwest we love celebrating the seasons especially as gardeners!
Berries on a wreath represent fertility. Red berries usually, but sometimes white or blue.
Holiday wreaths are a fun activity by yourself or in a group with your family and friends. Many free DIY videos on how to make a wreath are available for your viewing. You can do a simple one or go big and be as elaborate as you want. I personally like simple. You can add heirloom ornaments ribbons and battery powered lights.
I did a little research and learned that the custom began in the 16th century in Europe. In Germany the Christmas tree tradition started by going into the nearby forest and cutting your own tree down. Of course, people still practice that tradition especially here in the northwest. Pruning your tree to balance the limbs was important so after you were done you had cut pieces of the tree laying all on the ground and someone must have said why can’t we do something with all of that beautiful greenery!
I look at evergreen tree species in and around my home and think what beautiful living things and they survive the harshness of winters and storms. And since they are everywhere out here where we live you can take your pick as far as which one you could possibly prune. Needless to say ask the property owner before pruning if it is not on your land.
Some of the greenery you might choose could be the following:
Coastal pine, Spruce, Salal, Holly, Rhododendron, Mountain Laurel, Boxwood, Inkberry, Arborvitae, or Pacific Madrone Berries. You can get as creative as you want!
Keeping your wreath cuttings fresh is not difficult. Just keep in a cool/cold place and you can stand the branches up in a bucket in several inches of water.
If you collect fresh pinecones you will need to brush off any debris and use tweezers if needed, soak them 2:1 water and vinegar solution for 20-30 minutes, place on newspaper and let them dry overnight then bake on a cookie sheet with parchment paper for 30 minutes at 200-250 degree F then transfer to a rack to cool.
Garden by the Sea often holds wreath making workshops. For information on our next one, contact us at info@gardenbytheseaoceanshores.org.
This article originally was published in the November 2024 issue of the Ocean Observer.
