The annual Christmas wreath workshop at Governor Wolf Historical Society was held Nov. 29 and 30 at 6600 Jacksonville Road, Bath. The historical society provided everything needed to create a beautiful, fresh holiday door wreath.

Expert-detailed instruction was provided by board member Linda Kortz, who was available to help attendees choose the form and select mixed greens, colorful florist bows, pine cones and other decorations to make each wreath unique.

Christmas wreaths have been a staple of front door seasonal decorating dating back to the 16th century when people first started to bring evergreen trees inside to decorate. Initially thought to be pagan worship, it became accepted as a Christian symbol.

The trimmed branches were shaped into a circle and placed as decoration on the entrance door. Wreaths came to represent the circular, repetitive nature of the seasons. Early European wreaths were made from the evergreens that filled the forests, as a reminder that even in winter, spring will follow.

Plants, nuts and herbs have been used as symbolic decorative meaning for wreaths — add rosemary for remembrance, sage for good health, thyme for bravery, lavender for purity and juniper for life and hope. Add cedar for strength, holly for immortality and pine cones for long life and prosperity.

Today, wreaths are used to welcome guests and are traditionally hung on doors, representing the invitation to celebrate the joy of Christmas. They create a festive appeal for guests, greeting them with hospitality and warmth during the holiday season.