The Yule Wreath

“The holly and the ivy,
When they are both full grown,
Of all trees that are in the wood,
The holly bears the crown:
O, the rising of the sun,
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ,
Sweet singing in the choir.”
- Charles Dickens

Traditional front door wreaths date back thousands of years, to ancient Etruscans who also made wreath-crowns of ivy, oak, olive, myrtle and laurel leaves as well as wheat vines. In a story from Ancient Greek mythology, Daphne transforms into a laurel tree and Apollo made the laurel evergreen and vows to honor the tree. In 8 th century Greece, laurel wreaths marked a status of accomplishment, they were used to honor Olympians, and this is where the expression “rest on one’s laurels” stems from.

“Saturnalia” is the festival celebrating the Roman agricultural god, Saturn, near the winter solstice. Evergreens have long been connected to Yule throughout various northern European traditions, traced back to pre-Christian Germanic tribes. As days grew shorter, and the nights colder, people would gather around campfires sharing stories about the gods in attempts to draw back the sun. They shared food and enjoyed festivities, danced and sang songs, gave each other gifts, and decorated their homes.

Creating a Yule wreath for hearth and home is a wonderful way to continue these traditions that are not lost on us today. Wreaths are hung to celebrate joy, friendship, goodwill, and infinite love. The circular shape of the wreath is symbolic for eternal life, much like other circular symbols like the oraborus, it reveals the faith we have that the seasons, or the wheel of the year, will keep turning.

You can purchase a loom at a local craft store, or opt to cut vines in the summer and weave them into a loop to allow the shape to dry in time for winter and be sturdy enough to hold your décor.

Evergreen is the most common wreath making material. We still cut evergreens and bring them into our homes, symbolizing life, rebirth and renewal. Because they stay green they’re thought to have power over death, and encourage the sun to return. Used for uplifting fragrance during dark days.

Branches of fir needles are used for protection, prosperity, and purification and can represent transformation and often used in shadow work.

Use Holly to symbolize hope and masculinity. Often used to decorate doors and windows because the prickliness is thought to capture negative entitles, or prevent unwanted energies from entering the home.

Mistletoe is also used to represent fertility and female energy, often worn as an amulet or hung over the bed headboard for fertility. Pinecones, berries and fruits hung on wreaths and Yule trees represent enlightenment, the seeds of eternal life, resurrection and regeneration.

Consider adding a star, pentacle, or other pagan symbols to your wreath for protections and safety. Bells have been used to drive away evil energies, and chase away darkness. Include elements the elves would like, to honor their assistance around the house, and to include them in the celebration. Gingerbread person cookies can also be used, bakes with protective and healing spices.

Pieces of ivy can be included for healing, love, or to represent Saturn. Oak bark has ancient magick, and on your front door, helps open the path and clear obstacles. Cedar bark supports us on our spiritual journey and offers cleansing properties. You may concider using acorns to attract abundance for the following year, cinnamon sticks to enhance your sacred space, or witches burrs to banish entities.

Wreaths are not exclusive to Yule, as they are also commonly used at springtime to symbolize fertility and welcome new growth. Consider creating wreath of flowers for spring, or a wreath of herbs for the summer solstice, or wheat for Mabon, fall leaves for Samhain. The possibilities are endless, and it can be a nice tradition to add to your turning of the wheel celebrations.