Every winter, people all over the world hang evergreens on their doors, windows and mantels. Most of us do it without ever asking why.
I'm a horticulturist, so I can't help asking. And the answer is one of my favourite things about this season: in the darkest, coldest part of the year, we bring living green things inside to remind ourselves that life carries on.
A little history
The word "wreath" comes from the Old English wrīþan, meaning "to twist." Which is exactly what a wreath is: something twisted into a circle.
That circle has meant different things to different people:
- In ancient Rome, laurel wreaths were worn as crowns to honour victory and achievement.
- In Christian tradition, the circle stands for eternity, and the Advent wreath counts down the weeks to Christmas.
- For those who observe Yule and the winter solstice, the circle is the wheel of the year, coming back around to the longest night and the return of the light.
Evergreens have long been tied to strength, protection and the promise that spring will come again. Through the darkest months, plants and flowers will once again grow and bloom. (See what I did there?)
How I make mine
My wreaths lean heavily toward Yule and the solstice, because that's where I come from. I'm deeply rooted in nature, and I want each piece to feel like it came from the woods, not a warehouse.
Each one is a mix of:
- Canadian-sourced greens
- Locally purchased and foraged botanicals
- Dried fruit I prepare myself
- Spices like cinnamon
And I'm always on the hunt for weirder and wilder things to work in. No two come out the same, and that's the point. I make finished pieces, by hand, for people who want something with a little more spirit on their door.
Making your own
If you'd rather make one yourself, it's a lovely ritual. Start with a base of vines or pliable branches twisted into a circle, then weave or wire in evergreen boughs until it's as full as you like. Finish with berries, dried fruit, seed heads or anything else that speaks to you.
A few things to keep in mind if you're foraging:
- Ask first. Only gather on land where you have permission.
- Leave parks and conservation areas alone. Taking plants from them is usually not allowed, and it takes from everyone else.
- Learn to prune properly first. Please don't go hacking at evergreens in the woods. Use clean, sharp pruners, cut just above a side branch or bud, and take from the outer and lower branches. Never cut the top leader of a conifer, because it won't grow back. Take a little from many plants, not a lot from one, so they recover.
- Watch for invasive species. Some popular wreath berries, like Oriental bittersweet, are invasive in Ontario. When your wreath is done, bag those parts and put them in the garbage, not the compost or the yard, so the seeds don't spread.
The Winter Studio
If you'd rather leave it to me, this year's wreaths and Yule bowls are in The Winter Studio. You'll find all the wreaths together in the wreath collection.
Whichever way you go, bring a little of the wild inside this winter. Spring is coming.