Symbolism: Evergreen Wreaths

What do wreaths symbolize?

Wreath Symbolism: While you might hang a Christmas wreath on your door without much thought, wreaths have a long history and deep symbolic meaning. In ancient Greece, wreaths symbolized victory, while their circular shape, with no end or beginning, stood for eternity.

Cemetery Wreaths: This is why cemetery statues of mourning figures are often depicted holding a wreath; it’s meant to symbolize eternal remembrance as well as victory over death.

Evergreen Symbolism: Evergreens, meanwhile, are admired for their resilience during harsh winter months, making them a fitting symbol of endurance and immortality.

Since evergreens retain their leaves year-round, wreaths made from their green boughs reinforce the idea of eternal remembrance. In Christian tradition, the symbolism of evergreens has been further adapted to signify the eternal life promised to followers of Christ.

Wreaths Across America: Each December, on the second or third Saturday, volunteers from the nonprofit organization Wreaths Across America (WAA) lay handmade evergreen wreaths on the gravesites of veterans. Each wreath is crafted in Maine using balsam fir trees native to the region.

In 2023, the WAA placed more than 3 million living wreaths at cemeteries throughout the USA to express gratitude for a debt that can never be repaid. Like other wreaths, they symbolize eternal memory, but in this context, they also serve as a tribute to the sacrifice made by veterans—reminding us that their service and dedication will never be forgotten.

As you can see, cemeteries have some surprising connections to Christmas traditions!