The origin of the Christmas wreath precedes modern times. Learn about the history and symbolism of wreaths throughout the world, and take your pick of more than 10 Christmas wreath tutorials for kids, teens, and adults.

Whether they are made of flowers, twigs, leaves, fruits, or other decorations, wreaths are a beautiful touch of nature used often in homes in Northern Europe, North America, and Australia. They aren’t only found in English-speaking countries- around the world wreaths are used in ceremonies and memorials. Wreaths are very common in countries that celebrate Christmas, either hanging on the door or as an Advent wreath with candles.

Around the world, wreaths have an ancient history, and deep symbolism associated with them:

• People believe that in Rome, wreaths were a sign of victory. In ancient Roman and Greek culture, wreaths could signify rank or occupation. For example, laurel wreaths were used by military officials, and wreaths of olive branches were used by senators.
• In Poland, people make harvest wreaths (wieniec) of harvested grains, fruits, and nuts to bring to church for the priest to bless. The wreath is the central symbol of the Harvest Festival, Dozynki.
• The Ukrainian flower wreath (vinok) is part of that Ukrainian national dress worn by young, unmarried women during festivals and on holy days.
• In Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland, St. Lucy (called Lucia) is celebrated on December 13. Participating girls wear a white gown with a red sash and a crown of candles on their heads. The candles are linked with both with the lengthening of the days after the winter solstice, and symbolizing the fire that refused to take St. Lucy’s life when she was sentenced to be burned.
• Around the 16th Century, Catholics and Protestants in Germany used evergreen wreaths as symbols of Advent. With 3 purple candles and one pink around the wreath, and a white candle in the center, one candle is lit for each of the weeks preceding Christmas. The last candle is lit on Christmas Eve to symbolize Jesus’ birth.

Christmas Wreath Crafts for Kids to Make

Crafts On Sea has this cute paper plate wreath for kids to make

This dish brush Christmas wreath from Crafty Morning is perfect for preschoolers

What about hanging this bird seed wreath from Mess for Less outside?

Crafty Morning has a sweet Christmas wreath card that kids can craft

This fabric Christmas wreath from the Chaos and the Clutter would be a fun collaborative, family art project

Love this tissue paper Christmas wreath from Happiness is Homemade

Cook Clean Craft’s tutorial for a paper, origami Christmas wreath is just fabulous!

Christmas Wreath Projects for Teens and Adults

Follow these instructions to make this festive Christmas ornament wreath from Nemcsock Farms.

Midwestern Moms explains how to make a rustic grapevine wreath

Red Ted Art shows us how to make a lovely natural wreath made of Ivy

This ladybug wreath from See Vanessa Craft uses yarn to achieve the fuzzy look- so cute!

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about the origins or wreaths, and these Christmas wreath projects! This post is part of a series on Christmas traditions from around the world. To see all of the incredible global Christmas posts- from Advent, Christmas trees, candles, caroling, and more- check out the main page with all of the links on Multicultural Kid Blogs. It is fascinating to see the pictures and read the unique customs related to one of the most important Christian celebrations. It’s also a great way to introduce your kids to other cultures, by comparing and contrasting festivals they are familiar with, to others around the world.