Christmas is the most famous ritual in the western world. Controversial in approach for many reasons, the ones that celebrate it agree on the importance of a specific decor to set the season’s festive mood. Like any other ritual, the careful assembly of parts and steps is critical in achieving a successful rite and passage:

The Christmas tree is filled with amulets and talismans, tables adorned with wreaths, candles, and seasonal evergreen branches and dishes and tableware are themed.

Garlands of fruit and flowers as decoration have been passed on to us from ancient beginnings. In the Middle ages, they were attributed visible religious significance as they were hung on ceremonial statues; in India, they brought blessings to those wearing them.

In roman architecture, garlands were solidified in the architraves of prominent buildings, and now, they adorn every respectable seasonal table.

It takes an incredibly long time for a ritual to become as overpowering as this one is. And as meaning changes from one era to another, the customs repeat and evolve.

Read more about the ancient beginnings in Dochia Media‘s new digital Lifestyle Magazine:

Land of Dochia, Issue No. 1, December 2022