Mini Christmas Wreaths

Twelve Days Of Christmas Ornaments.
Day Three: Mini Christmas Wreaths.

Knit a Christmas ornament for your tree! This mini wreath is 3.5 inches  (9cms) across and it's a quick knit for a cute holiday decoration.

Materials - Small amounts of red, green and white double knit type yarn.
 size 4 US (3.5 mm) double pointed needles.
Make three 9.5" (24cms) long pieces of I-cord, one in each color, leaving at least a 6" tail of yarn hanging from both ends of I-cord.

To make I-cord:
Cast on 3 sts.
Knit across.
Without turning, slide the stitches to the other end of the needle, put the needle in your other hand, pull the yarn firmly across the back. You are ready to knit the next row.
Continue knitting, sliding, and pulling the yarn across the back until I-cord is desired length.

Knot the three together then braid the three strands of I-cord, then tie into a circle using the loose ends of yarn. Knot firmly, then tie into a bow. Trim ends of yarn.

Add a hook or loop for hanging.
Makes a wreath about 3.5ins in diameter.

The Meaning of the Chrismas Wreath.

Much symbolism can be attributed to the Christmas wreath. The shape of a circle has no beginning and no ending. This may represent the eternal nature of a god's love, or the circle of life. Evergreens are used to represent immortality and the victory of life through darkness and challenge. The fact that evergreens live through winter signifies the strength of life.

The decorative value of wreaths is believed to have been derived by ancient tradition. In the way that we use house numbers today, wreaths featuring different floral arrangements were used to identify different families and houses.

Also attributing to the wreath lore is the Roman use of wreaths as signs of victory. It is believed that victors of battles would hang wreaths upon their doors to advertise their status.

Today wreaths are a wonderful decorative touch, both year round and at Christmas time. It is a sign of faith in humanity and life and of victory over life's challenges. Whether you hang a wreath on the door to welcome visitors, or on the wall to complete a room's decor the splash of color on a cold winter's day is sure to add a feeling of warmth, building excitement for the coming season