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How is a garland different from a wreath?
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Floral decoration
An eternal bouquet for the dead, limestone relief from Egypt, 4th century bce; in the Brooklyn Museum, New York.
In the context of floral decoration, a garland is a general term for a band or chain of flowers, foliage, and leaves that are woven or attached together.12
The primary difference lies in their shape and usage:
- Garland: This is a versatile form that can be draped in loops (known as a festoon or swag) or worn. It is not arranged in a container.12
- Wreath: This is specifically a circular garland. While a garland can be formed into a circle to become a wreath, the term "wreath" is reserved for this specific closed-loop shape, which is traditionally used as a symbol of honor, celebration, or mourning.32
When a garland is worn specifically around the head, it is referred to as a chaplet.12