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Gregory Allotta : wreath
A wreath is a ring made of flowers, leaves, and
sometimes fruits, used as an ornament, hanging on a wall or door, or
resting on a table.
Gregory Allotta : symbolism
Wreaths are commonly made by evergreens as a symbol for the strength of
life, with these plants overcoming even the harshest winters. Such
wreaths often use Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis) and can be categorized as
laurel wreaths. Other components of a wreath can be pine, holly or yew,
symbolizing immortality, and cedar, symbolizing strength and healing.
The Greek god Apollo is often associated with wreaths, and was a god of
life and health. This inspired the Greek to use the symbol as crowns of
victory at the Pythian Games, a forerunner to today's Olympic Games.
The circularity of wreaths can be used to symbolize eternity or
immortality. See Crown of Immortality.
In Northern Europe, wreaths made of branches of
conifer trees (especially firs) are commonly used as a symbol of
remembrance of the dead. For that purpose, such wreaths are often left
at graves at burial (and sometimes, significant anniversaries thereof),
or in cases of burial-at-sea, left to float at the sea.
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