Amsterdam bans creation of new hotels
Another piece in the overall strategy to reduce tourist flows to the city
Another traditional splash of greenery that gives us comfort during the holidays
You know that the holiday season is upon us when the ads on TV get into their Christmas promotions, aptly tinged with the necessary green and red colour scheme. That, and when your neighbours’ entrance doors start sporting green wreaths.
But why do we even hang those things? Like many other traditions that we have today, Christmas wreaths hide their origin somewhere in the distant past.
In fact, as far back as Antiquity, and even then, we find it in different cultures. In the Persian Empire, wreaths called diadems were a sign of power or authority worn as a headdress. They were made of fabric, adorned with jewels, and often worn by royalty. Ancient Egyptians also wore a type of wreath as a headdress, but theirs was made of flowers and called a chaplet.
In the Roman Empire, wreaths made of laurel were worn by emperors and awarded to warriors and others as a symbol of honour. Additionally, Romans awarded olive leaf and laurel wreaths to winning athletes and even poets. Wreaths were also hung on doors and are believed to have been signs of victory.
It was those Ancient Romans that also figured out that wreaths were a cool thing to use as decoration come the holiday season. Before Christmas became a thing, they celebrated Saturnalia, from 17 to 23 December, and lo and behold they figured out that the wreaths were also a nifty thing to use as gifts and decorations.
The Church, famous for adopting and repurposing pagan traditions, found that wreaths were useful to keep around. However, it was their meaning that had to change. Their circular shape was said to symbolize eternal life and the unending love of God.
In another symbolic interpretation, the red berries and the thorny leaves of the holly oak represented the crown of thorns worn by Jesus and the drops of blood that they drew.
It is believed that the first Advent wreaths were used by Lutherans in Germany in the 16th century. Eventually, they also spread to the Catholic parts of Europe in the 19th century. And nowadays, wreaths have become an irreplaceable mainstay for Christmas or even secular decorations.
Silesian is spoken by about half a million people in the south of the country
Legislators and magnates have to await a preliminary ruling from the European Court of Justice
The building will then serve as the site for a new museum dedicated to Finnish-Russian relations
The tool helps identify undeclared swimming pools and garden sheds
It will serve as a virtual companion to the municipal network of libraries in the country
In addition, the federal government has launched the National Week of Action against Bicycle Theft to raise awareness of the issue and the new solution
The tests are also experimenting with a charging point that is easier to maintain
Reportedly, the aim of the local government is to curb violence and disorder among the youth
The city thinks that it’s time to update pet-related street cleanliness rules for the 21st century
Yes, you guessed it right, that also includes baguettes and cheeses
Reportedly, the aim of the local government is to curb violence and disorder among the youth
Silesian is spoken by about half a million people in the south of the country
Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment.
Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements.
Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces
Catch up with some recommendations for the 2024 European Capital of Culture programme from the mayor of Tartu
An interview with the ICLEI regional director for Europe аfter the close of COP28
An interview with a member of the No Hate Speech Network team