Wreath, Ecclesiastical

Wreath, Ecclesiastical, is a circular garland of flowers intertwined; a chaplet; that which is interwoven or entwined. Such symbols were made use of to designate certain saints, and are found represented both in old MSS., stained glass, and on the lower panels of rood-screens. A wreath of flowers, sometimes designated a "marriage. crown," was often placed on the head of a virgin bride. Wreaths were also carried at funerals. One, of the 17th century, remains suspended in the south aisle of St. Alban's Abbey. And they were anciently, and are now not uncommonly, put upon graves and memorial crosses. SEE CORONA.