Hanging greenery goes back to ancient Rome. Evergreen roping and wreaths were hung in homes and on buildings as a sign of victory. Evergreens include not only fir, cedar,and pine, but also ivy, holly and rosemary. Christians continued to follow the practice of hanging greens as a symbol of JESUS' victory over death.

Evergreens offer a variety of symbols and traditions. Holly has become a sign of CHRIST'S passion. the prickly leaves suggest the crown of thorns and the red berries, the blood that JESUS shed for our sins. A legend says the rosemary shrub is fragrant because Mary laid the CHRIST child's garments on its branches. In the MIddle Ages, rosemary was spread o the floor of homes at Christmas, and as people walked on it, a pleasant aroma filled air. The evergreen also serves as a symbol of eternal life----always green, always fresh and alive, everlasting. Thus the evergreen is a symbol of the eternal promise of salvation and the everlasting GOOD. The hanging of the green =has become a tradition of preparation for Christmas.