Christmas Wreath

First I want to apologize for my last post, lol.  The first thing that pops up is a picture of my toes, not a beautiful site to see, lol.  So I will attempt to make up for it by posting some really pretty Christmas pictures.

I have done a little research on the Christmas Wreath and wanted to show you some...

Did you know that in Ancient Rome hanging a wreath on the door was a sign of victory?

I had no idea.  I did know that the circle had to represent something...

In my research I found that it was of course a pre Christian symbol.  Pagans use to gather and make wreaths to burn to remind themselves and bring hope that spring was coming.  Christians adopted this activity in the way of an advent wreath.  Four candles were placed on the wreath and one in the middle.  Three of the four candles are violet and the fourth one is a rose color. 

One candle is lighted each week preceding Christmas.  Then on Christmas Eve the white candle in the middle is lighted.  This last candle represents Jesus' birth.

Since then wreaths have become a common staple on door fronts, table tops, and even chicken coops in my case.  I have even made a wreath out of pine cones like the one here...

It turned out beautifully in the sun and would close up when it got cold.

This year I am going to try to use various things in making wreaths.  There is something so homey and lovely about them isn't there??!

(Each one of these beautiful wreaths are Martha Stewarts)