Wreaths, Remembrance, and the Winter Solstice

Wreath is an old English word meaning “to twist.” We weave evergreens, flowers, tree branches, herbs, fruit, berries, and more into a continuous loop, creating an everlasting symbol of honor. Wreaths adorn dwellings, public grounds, cemeteries, and sanctuaries and mark the seasonal change.

In ancient Pagan and Scandinavian cultures, wreaths symbolized nature and honored the return of the sun and the promise of spring. Later, circular evergreen wreaths became a Christian symbol for Christ's suffering and ultimate triumph over death.

In Greece, wreaths were made of specific plants which were sacred to a particular god. The olive leaf was associated with Zeus, ivy with Dionysus, and laurel with Apollo. A wreath of roses was emblematic of Egyptian Isis as well as the Virgin Mary. Emperors were crowned with wreaths, signifying their incarnations as divine. And award-winning poets were graced with laurel wreaths, touched by Apollo’s inspiration.

Winter Solstice is a turning point marking the shortest day of the year. It is when the north pole is tilted farthest away from the sun in the northern hemisphere. Winter solstice signals animals and plants to rest and conserve energy. Many will hibernate or remain dormant until the return of the sun and the longer days of spring. It is a reminder of our connection to all who share life on Mother Earth.

A few days before winter solstice, I collect materials to make an evergreen wreath. I use grape vine harvested, coiled, and dried from trees in my yard for the base of the wreath. Evergreens hand-picked for my wreath include magnolia, laurel bay, cedar, holly, and pine.

Wildflowers collected and dried this past summer will be added to my wreath. My favorite dried wildflower is known as “life everlasting.” Some refer to this plant as “sweet everlasting” or “rabbit tobacco.” However, all are referring to Gnaphalium obtusifolium which is found throughout the Southeast United States in old fields, pastures, and along roadsides.

Many Indigenous cultures consider Gnaphalium a sacred plant. The dried leaves of the plant are kept year-round to be used as tea promoting longevity. Other uses include mixing it with tobacco (Nicotiana spp.) for smoking. Many Indigenous cultures believe the smoke from life-everlasting plants will carry their prayers to the Creator.

Dried leaves from Gnaphalium plants release oil when placed in burning candles. Life-everlasting plant oil will extend the life of the candle, perfect for burning on the longest night of the year. The sweet aromatic smell of life everlasting is another reason this wild flower is honored in my evergreen wreath.

Creating a winter solstice wreath prompts me to look inward, into the dark corners of my soul. This is where we find our deepest dreams and desires. It is also the place where fears, regrets and worries reside. Winter reminds us that darkness is not a place to be afraid; it is a place to rest. It is a place where we make peace with our past. And, when we are rested and restored, we return from the darkness to the world of light with the return of spring.

This past week I made a special trip to Jacksonville National Cemetery to honor our interred veterans. I also wished to see the 21,000 evergreen wreaths that had been placed on the graves of our local heroes. I had never seen 21,000 wreaths displayed in one place in my life.

As I turned into the cemetery, I became overwhelmed with emotion. The sight of all those graves with fresh cut evergreen wreaths placed just under each veteran’s name made me cry. ​When I stepped out of my car, the scent of freshly cut evergreen fir trees filled the air and all my senses came alive. There are no words to describe the amount of gratitude I felt as I witnessed this sacred sight.

Wreaths Across America, a nonprofit organization founded in 2007, honors our nation’s interred heroes each December. “The yearlong mission to “Remember the fallen … Honor those who Serve … Teach our children the value of Freedom” is carried out by wreath-laying ceremonies in veteran cemeteries throughout our country. “Every sponsorship is a meaningful gift from a grateful American who knows what it means to serve and sacrifice for the freedoms we all enjoy,” said Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America.

I do not have any relatives buried in Jacksonville National Cemetery; however, I felt connected to all the 21,000 resting souls there. ​Each one of those veterans committed their life to giving us all a great gift, the gift of freedom.

In the darkness of winter, rest and reflect on the sacred cycles of all life. ​Honor the gift of freedom to celebrate the season as you wish. And, remember the promise of spring and new life is right around the corner.

Happy holidays and may EVERYONE enjoy peace on earth.