A garland is known simply as a cord that is used as decoration on people or objects and places, usually during festive occasions. This tradition dates back to the Greeks using a garland to signify the winner of games and decorating temples and arenas with wreaths and garlands of pine, ivy, or olive. In modern times, we use garlands as decoration and, if they’re not artificial Christmas garlands, the fresh scent.

The word ‘garland’ can be traced back as a derivative of the French gerlande, meaning ‘to adorn’, and that is certainly the case!

European settlers brought the Christmas garland to the shores of the United States. A successful business for many, as the source was nearby and easy the product was easy to make. The early 1800s saw the Victorian Christmas, complete with traveling vendors carrying Christmas garland creations that were more varied and aromatic. Theses Christmas garland made of evergreens were decorated with holly, cedar and other, more colorful greens. A Christmas garland of dried berries and fruit also became a festive holiday option in Victorian times, filling homes with intoxicating scents.

In the early 1900s came the introduction of the plastic or artificial garland. The industry for fresh Christmas garland creations slowly gave way to plastic garland and from the 1960s to the present, Christmas garlands are almost always plastic, usually PVC. Now, as realistic artificial Christmas garland options become available, people are turning to the artificial garland, as it needs little to no maintenance and can be reused year after year.

A Christmas garland is a decorative piece for any holiday home, with significant historic meaning and value, not to mention beauty.