Chapter 16

The Wreath of God

Another part of the Christmas celebration is the wreath. Following in the
footsteps of ancient Rome, this emblem is hung on doors, walls and even on
radiator grills of semi trucks traveling from state to state during the season. This
too is alleged to be a reference to the birth of Christ. But like everything else, the
wreaths we know here in modern times are tied to the sun god.

The Olympics

The wreath was an integral part of ancient sporting events. In the Olympiads of
Greece, a wreath was awarded to the victor. They were also given a small branch
from an olive tree that was cut with a gold handled knife. It was believed that the
strength and vigor of that sacred tree would be passed to the recipient through the
branch.

The laurel is also the symbol of Apollo, the sun god of Greek and Roman
mythology. Apollo was the representation of youth, strength and manly beauty to
the Greeks. In Rome, he was also
called Adonis.

In this illustration of Apollo,

you can see the laurel on

his head and the symbol of

the sun at his feet.