swag

In architecture and decoration, a swag is an ornamental motif made of stylized flowers, fruit, foliage, and cloth. These elements are tied together with ribbons that sag in the middle and are attached at both ends. Swags, also known as festoons, are a prominent decorative element in classical architecture and were widely used by the ancient Greeks and Romans. They were also popular during the Renaissance, with decorators often using painted swags. The ends of a swag might be held by carved animals or simply tied into bows with hanging ribbon ends.1

Garlands draped in loops are called festoons or swags. The origin of these forms is unknown, but evidence of their use dates from ancient times and is not restricted to any particular culture.2