Christmas is such a celebrated time in the United States. Americans love to partake in the tradition of hanging a Christmas wreath outside the home. In the United States, Christmas wreaths may have a sign in the center of the wreath that says “welcome”, which invites guests and family warmly into the home. Other American Christmas wreaths are adorned with silver bells or ornaments. However, most American Christmas wreaths are traditional, utilizing the colors of red, green and gold. The traditional Advent wreath is of German origin. In Eastern Germany, the Advent wreath, known as “Adventskranz”, was used on the first Sunday of Advent in the Lutheran community. The German Advent wreath is used as a centerpiece decoration with four candles to symbolize the coming of Jesus with a fifth center candle to signify Christmas day. Most Germans enjoy the cheerful look of a Christmas wreath hanging from the outside of their home and do not feel complete without an Advent wreath decorating the inside of their home. In France, many Christmas wreaths are hung joyfully from the outside of homes. La Couronne de bienvenue, the Christmas wreath, is hung on the door to say “soyez la bienvenue chez nous”, which translates to, “welcome to our house”. Christmas wreaths are important in France because they were traditionally scarce. In France, December is in the middle of winter and the only trees with color were the evergreens. The holly provides bright red berries that appear to glow amid the bleak days of winter. The combination of holly with the surrounding evergreen translates to color and hope during a grey and cold winter.

Christmas in Mexico is a popular and festive season. Traditional green and red Christmas wreaths are hung outside the home. Some non-traditional wreaths are creatively made out of chilies or candies. In Mexico, it is also tradition to share a “Rosca de Reyes”, which is a holiday wreath made of sweet bread and decorated with figs and candied orange, lemon, and cherry. In Mexico, this sweet bread wreath is a symbol of the crowns worn by the Three Wise Men who traveled to adore the baby Jesus. The Irish enjoy celebrating the holidays with the special hand-crafted metal Advent wreath. The metal wreath often incorporates a Celtic design and includes candle holders for the traditional five Advent candles. In Ireland, many people decorate the outside of their homes with a traditional holly and ivy Christmas wreath, but in their home, it is preferred to have a beautiful, hand crafted metal Advent wreath. In many countries around the world, the wreath is a well-known symbol of the Christmas season. Every world-wide Christmas wreath will have its own distinct look depending on the local, seasonal flora. No matter what type of branch or leaf is used, the wreath will remain recognized as a symbol of health, life, joy and the coming of Christmas day throughout the world.