Britannica Sources used in this answer

How were laurel wreaths used in ancient Greece and Rome?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

floral decoration — Floral decoration An eternal bouquet for the dead, limestone relief from Egypt, 4th century bce; in the Brooklyn Museum, New York.

In ancient Greece and Rome, laurel wreaths served as significant symbols of honor, victory, and distinction.12

Ancient Greece

The laurel was deeply connected to the god Apollo, who was often depicted wearing a laurel crown. According to mythology, this association arose after the nymph Daphne was transformed into a laurel tree to escape Apollo’s pursuit.134

In practice, laurel foliage was woven into crowns, garlands, and wreaths to reward excellence. They were famously awarded to victors of athletic and musical competitions, such as the Pythian Games held at Delphi. Additionally, wreaths were used in personal contexts, such as by young lovers who hung them on doorways as tokens of affection.12

Ancient Rome

The Romans adopted the Greek tradition, utilizing laurel crowns as marks of high honor. They were frequently bestowed upon civil officials and returning warriors to signify triumph and achievement. This legacy persists today in the term laureate, which continues to denote individuals recognized for their distinguished contributions to the arts or sciences.241