The History of Wreaths: Symbolism & Traditions Across Cultures
31st Mar 2026
You know that feeling that comes with hanging a fresh wreath on the door, I'm sure. It's the fresh, distinctive scent of balsam and a sense of "finishing" the home for the season. While we think of it as a Christmas tradition here in Maine, people all over the world have been twisting greenery into circles for thousands of years. It's one of those rare customs that almost every culture has shared at some point.
At Harbor Farm, we hand-tie every wreath, and it really makes us think about that history. From the sunny hills of Greece to the snowy woods of Northern Europe, that simple circle of greenery has always been a way to send a message to the world before someone even knocks on your door.
From Victory Crowns to Your Front Porch
Back in ancient Greece and Rome, people didn't start with their doors, but with their heads. They used twisted branches of laurel or olive branches to crown athletes and leaders who had achieved greatness.
So how did it end up on the door? It was all about signaling success and prosperity to those who visit your home. Today, you may not be returning from a Roman conquest, but hanging a wreath is a way to celebrate the small wins of your year. It tells anyone walking by that despite the cold and the wind, your home is a place of comfort. It's an invitation to feel that warmth.
Symbolism We Still See Today
Traditions That Carried Forward:
The Advent Wreath: This started in Germany as a way to "light the way" through the dark nights of December. Each candle lit represents a new week of waiting for hope and peace.
The Unbroken Circle: For some faiths, the circle represents a love that doesn't end. Using prickly holly and red berries typically symbolizes The Sacrifice and the promise of new hope and eternal life.
The Return of the Sun: Pagan traditions saw the evergreen circle as proof of life. While every other tree was bare, the balsam stayed green, promising that spring would eventually return.
The Wheel of the Year
One of the best ways to think about a wreath is as the "Wheel of the Year." Spring leads to summer, summer to fall, and eventually, we come back around again. We use Balsam Fir for our wreaths because, in addition to its potent aroma, it's one of the few things that stays vibrant when the rest of the woods go dormant. To the people who came before us, before modern understanding of seasons and plant science, this was a bit of winter magic. It was an act of faith to hang something green in the middle of a blizzard, and we're proud to keep that feeling going.
A Friendly Wave to the Neighborhood
All in all, a wreath is simply a warm gesture. Whether it's a harvest wreath in the fall or a balsam one in the winter, it's a silent way to wave to your neighbors. It says, "Come on in, we're ready for the season."
Since 1986, Harbor Farm has been a family-run business in Downeast Maine. Whether you're hanging a wreath for your faith, for the solstice, or just because you love that fresh Maine scent, you're part of a tradition that's been around as long as people have been coming home for the holidays.
Find your perfect wreath and carry on these traditions of Yore.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of wreaths?
Wreaths date back thousands of years to ancient Greece and Rome, where laurel and olive branches were twisted into crowns to honor athletes and leaders. The tradition of hanging wreaths on doors developed when victorious leaders would display their crowns as a symbol of success and welcome. Over centuries the tradition spread across many cultures — from German Advent wreaths to Norse solstice celebrations — eventually becoming the beloved holiday decoration we know today.
What does a wreath symbolize?
A wreath carries many meanings depending on the tradition. The circular shape represents eternity and the unending cycle of seasons. In Christian traditions, the Advent wreath marks the passage of time toward Christmas. Holly and red berries symbolize hope and sacrifice. For pagan traditions, evergreen wreaths were a sign that spring would return despite the cold. Today, a wreath on the door is broadly understood as a symbol of welcome and warmth.
Why do people hang wreaths on their doors?
The custom traces back to ancient Rome, where leaders would hang their laurel crowns on the door after returning home — a blessing for the household and a signal of success. Over time this evolved into a general gesture of welcome and celebration. Today it's a quiet, universal way to signal that a home is ready for the season.
Why does Harbor Farm use Balsam Fir for wreaths?
Balsam Fir stays vibrant and green throughout winter when most other trees go bare — which is precisely why evergreens were so symbolically important to ancient cultures. Balsam Fir also has the distinctive, beloved fragrance strongly associated with Maine winters and the holiday season. Harbor Farm has been hand-tying Balsam Fir wreaths in Downeast Maine since 1986.
