Laurel wreath

The laurel wreath, also known as the triumphal wreath, is a crown made of laurel branches commonly given to winners of sports, warriors in ancient Greece and Rome. The meaning of the laurel wreath is quite understandable, it is a symbol of victory .

The very symbolism of the wreath was born in ancient Greece and is associated with custom give Olympic winners cotinos , that is, the crown of olive trees. Poets were gifted too cat ... Thus, people who won competitions or tournaments were named laureates and remain to this day.

The meaning of the laurel wreath is also associated with Apollo , the Greek god of art, poetry and archery. He once mocked the archery skills of Eros, the god of love. Offended, Eros decided to offend Apollo. As revenge, he prepared two arrows - one of gold and the other of lead. He shot Apollo with a golden arrow, awakening in him a passionate love for Daphne, the river nymph. However, he intended the lead for Daphne, so the nymph, struck by the arrow, hated Apollo. Tired of the painful worries of her fiancé, Daphne asked her father for help. This turned her into a laurel tree.

Apollo vowed to honor his beloved, using all his strength of eternal youth, and made the laurel tree evergreen. Then he made a wreath of branches and made it a symbol of the highest award for himself and other poets and musicians .

In ancient Rome, the laurel wreath also became a symbol of military victories ... He was crowned by victorious generals during triumphant offerings. The golden crown imitating laurel branches was used by Julius Caesar himself.

As a symbol of victory, the laurel wreath has stood the test of time, and to this day, some universities around the world practice wearing it by their graduates.