The History and Symbolism of Christmas Wreaths

Do you know the story and symbolism behind Christmas wreaths? And do you know the best way to hang one on your front door?

In Christianity, Christmas wreaths are used to mark the Advent season and celebrate the final liturgical period before Christmas. Like other holiday decorations, wreaths are traditionally displayed on the first Sunday of Advent, a custom that is often accompanied by religious observances.

The Christmas wreath was first used by Lutherans in Germany during the 17th century. In 1839, the German Lutheran pastor Johann Hinrich Wichern created a wreath from a wagon wheel to help children understand the meaning of Christmas and count down the days until its arrival. This idea eventually evolved into the modern Advent wreath.

Traditionally, one candle is added to the wreath on each Sunday of Advent, beginning four Sundays before Christmas. White candles were originally used for the Sundays, while red candles marked the remaining days of the season.

Over time, the tradition spread beyond the Lutheran Church to many other Christian denominations. Churches such as the Catholic Church and the Moravian Church adopted the custom and introduced their own variations.

Christmas wreaths and arrangements are typically made from evergreen foliage, symbolizing the eternal life offered through Jesus Christ. The circular shape of the wreath represents God’s eternity—without beginning and without end.

Christian Origins

Johann Hinrich Wichern

In 1839, German Lutheran pastor Johann Hinrich Wichern created a wreath using a wagon wheel for an orphanage in Hamburg. The wreath featured nineteen small candles for weekdays and four larger candles for Sundays, allowing children to count the days leading up to Christmas.

This simple teaching tool became the inspiration for the Advent wreath tradition that continues around the world today.

Wreaths for Your Front Door

The Christmas season is a time for preparation—thinking about gifts, decorations, cherished traditions, and the joy of sharing special moments with loved ones.

Homes are adorned with lights, poinsettias, festive arrangements, and, of course, a beautiful Christmas wreath displayed on the front door.

A Christmas wreath serves as a warm welcome to the holiday season and to all the people with whom you celebrate it.

When Should You Hang Your Christmas Wreath?

In the Christian tradition, Advent marks the countdown to Christmas. The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “arrival.”

The Advent season begins four Sundays before Christmas, and traditionally, wreaths are hung on doors on the first Sunday of Advent.

And when it comes to displaying your wreath, nothing complements it better than a beautiful decorative bow.