Thursday, October 23, 2014

Different Uses For A Flower Wreath

By Patty Goff


Wreaths can be made of a number of different components. Theses include fruit, branches, twigs or leaves. One of the materials most commonly used to create this item is flowers. A flower wreath is used across the board for various occasions, be it celebratory or otherwise.

Flowers are positioned or woven into a circular shape to create the wreath, which can be practically any size when finished. A floral wreath can be small enough to fit on the head or large enough to cover the side of a building. In different countries and cultures, it is used for a plethora of reasons and occasions.

Christmas is one of the key holidays of the year when you can see these being used decoratively. They may be found inside the home or outside on the main door. Though wreaths are often made using evergreens as they symbolize strength, lasting throughout all seasons and weather conditions, poinsettias are great flowers to incorporate into this seasonal item. The poinsettia is a flower commonly associated with this time of year.

A very common association with a floral wreath is that of mourning, as wreaths are often used for funerals or memorials. This has been happening since the times of Ancient Greece, with the circular shape of the object representing never ending life. The flowers used in this symbol of life are representative of everlasting life and also resurrection.

It is said that different types of flowers used in a funeral wreath symbolize different sentiments. In England in early modern times, the death of a young maiden was commemorated with a funeral procession led by another young lady of the same age as the deceased, carrying one made of white flowers to symbolize purity and innocence. Wreaths used in war memorials can be made using poppy flowers.

A floral garland may also be worn on the head as a decorative accessory. This particular headdress is currently very popular among brides who choose a bohemian or outdoor theme for their wedding. Outside of weddings, headpieces and crowns made of flowers have been worn for centuries to celebrate festivals and pagan rituals such as the change of the seasons.

The Maypole festival celebrating May Day is just one example of a pagan festival that makes use of such an item. It is traditionally positioned on top of a high pole and young men race to the top to see who can get to it first. The winner gets to wear it as a crown on his head. The flowers used in this garland must be picked very early in the morning when the dew is still fresh, as it is believed that there is magic contained in the dew that will disappear by the time it dries.

An item like this is most commonly and consistently used as a decorative item in the home, and is very easy to make for those who like to do crafts. It is possible to get a plain base, which can then be decorated with the materials of choice using a lightweight floral wire. Alternatively, a more advanced craft individual can try their hand at making a base themselves to then decorate. There are a number of ways to do this with items like foam, wire or cardboard.




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