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A
traditional holiday wreath is made with evergreens, a symbol of
immortality. This is because the evergreens stay green all winter
when other plants are brown and dormant. To have the best success
with a long lasting wreath, use fir branches. Pines have sharper
needles that drop quicker. Spruces and hemlocks are not recommended
because they lose their needles quickly. Wire wreath bases with
crimping rings attached are available at craft stores. This
simplifies the job of making the wreath. Small bunches of evergreens
are placed in each crimp ring, and then the wire ends are twisted
over the branches, proceeding in a clockwise manner until all the
rings are filled and the wreath is finished by tucking the final
stem ends under the first evergreen bundle.
Ivy, added to the evergreen wreath is beautiful and symbolic. Ivy
was the symbol of the Egyptian god of agriculture and the Greek and
Roman god of wine. For this reason, during Chaucer and
Shakespeare's day, ivy was the symbol of inns and taverns that
served wine. "Where the Ivy flourished, the drink was good." It
was believed that ivy prevented drunkenness. ( Is that why you
encircle a punch bowl with ivy?) Planted at the doorway, ivy
announces welcome within. We use it on our holiday wreath as a
symbol of hospitality, welcome and friendship. During our Holiday
open house we had Ivy Topiaries as a "make it and take it project" -
perfect for a hostess gift of the season.
Holly is an evergreen plant that legend says sprung up under the
footsteps of Christ. The thorny leaves represent His suffering, the
red berries, drops of blood. Whichever family member brings the
first holly branch into the house, is said to rule for the year.
Unfortunately, cut holly dries up indoors when used as a decoration
and has to be replaced every few days.
Did you know that a kissing ball was one of the earliest Christmas
decorations, preceding the Christmas tree? Kissing balls were hung
from candelabras. Today, I prefer them in a foyer or doorway. That
is the perfect place to exchange holiday wishes and "greetings of
the season." By inserting sprigs of boxwood in a piece of moist
floral foam covered with chicken wire, you can make a perfect
spherical shape. I have seen suggestions of using a potato or apple
as a base to poke the stems in, but have never tried it. Adding all
the herbs with their special meanings make the holiday decoration
fragrant and rich with significance. We add sage for health and
wisdom, wheat for prosperity, mint for warm feelings, lavender for
luck, rosemary for remembrance and yarrow to fortell the future.
Happy Herbal
Holidays and Happy New Year!
Marian
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