A wreath is a circular arrangement of flowers, leaves, branches, or other materials, often hung on a door or wall as a decoration. You've probably seen wreaths made of evergreen branches during winter holidays, but people make wreaths for all seasons using whatever looks beautiful: spring flowers, autumn leaves, or even seashells and ribbons.

The circular shape matters. Unlike a bouquet or garland, a wreath forms a complete ring with no beginning or end, which is why wreaths often symbolize things that continue forever, like remembrance or celebration. People hang wreaths on their front doors to welcome visitors, place them on graves to honor someone who has died, or award them as prizes in competitions.

In ancient Greece and Rome, victorious athletes and military heroes received wreaths made of laurel leaves worn on their heads like crowns. Today, you might see a laurel wreath used as a symbol for achievement in logos or medals. When you see a gold wreath symbol on a book cover or certificate, it signals excellence or victory.

Making a wreath involves carefully arranging natural materials into that distinctive circular form and securing them together, often with wire or string hidden beneath the decorations.