Laurel wreath as a triumphant symbol

In the traditions of many European nations a symbol of triumph, victory is the laurel branch. To understand why this happened, you need to look at the history of the Ancient World and trace the path that the ordinary tree has made - from a simple plant to a symbol of victory.

Greek legends

Myths of Ancient Greece associate this triumphant symbol with Apollo - the god, patron of arts and competitions. According to legend, Apollo once fell in love with the nymph Daphne and began persistently pursue her. Beauty tried to escape. When Apollo had almost caught her, Daphne, raising her arms, turned to her father, the god of the rivers Peneu. He turned it into a slender tree. A sorrowful Apollo wove a wreath from the leaves of this tree, in memory of unrequited love. And the tree was named after the unfortunate nymph. In translation, Daphne means the laurel. So far, on the island of Delos, where, according to legend, the god of beauty was born, laurel gardens and groves grow. Well, the ornamentation of laurel leaves became an indispensable attribute of the image of Apollo.

The symbol of the winners

Since then, the laurel tree has been inextricably linked with the name of Apollo. Since, apart from the arts, Apollo patronized sports, the laurel wreath was given not only to skilful composers, singers and artists, but also to the winners of the Pythian games, which served as the venue for the Criss Plain. From Greece, the laurel wreath was inherited by the Romans. The triumphal symbol of the laurel was intended not only for winners in sports, but also for heroes who distinguished themselves in military campaigns. The Laurel of the Romans became a symbol of peace, which follows a military victory. Such a reward was given to the soldier for special merits - for example, for saving a comrade in battle, entering first into an enemy fortress, for the successful assault of an enemy city. The goddess of victory, Nika always held in her hands a triumphant symbol - a laurel wreath, which was placed on the head of the winner.

The legend said that the laurel is Jupiter's favorite tree, and it was never struck by lightning. In peacetime, the laurel wreath was an indispensable attribute of the feasts and sacrifices that glorified the supreme god of the Romans. The symbol of triumph was minted on coins depicting Apollo and Jupiter. Yuri Caesar wore a wreath at all solemn events. True, evil tongues claimed that the laurel wreath helped to hide the balding crown of the emperor.

Laurel of the early Christians

Early Christians borrowed many symbols from ancient religions. The symbol of triumph - the laurel branch, was also not forgotten. In the aesthetics of early Christianity, the laurel symbolizes chastity, purity, health and longevity. Evergreen leaves perfectly symbolized eternal life, which will come after the atoning sacrifice of the Son of God. Christ was also often portrayed with a laurel wreath as the One who conquered death. Some early Christian martyrs were depicted with laurel wreaths. Laurel was revered as a plant, widely used in medicine and cooking. In an age when spices were valued in weight of gold, laurel leaves were indeed a precious gift that could be presented even to the king.

Laurel in heraldry and faleristics

The symbol of immortality from Theosophy migrated to the arms and insignia of the aristocratic aristocrats. In heraldry, the laurel, like the oak, is a symbol of fearlessness and valor. Golden leaves on a red background symbolized the fearless heart of a brave warrior. The triumphant symbol became especially popular in France, laurel leaves decorated the arms of the French Republic. After that, the laurel took an honorable place on the arms of many states. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, laurel wreaths adorned the state symbols of such states as Brazil, Guatemala, Algeria, Greece, Israel, Cuba, Mexico.

Medals, decorations and decorations of many states of the world are adorned with leaves of an evergreen laurel. After all, throughout the world this plant is a symbol of glory, victory and military valor, hence, rewards should contain in their image this triumphant symbol. The most honorable decorations of European states contain images of laurel leaves.

The value of the laurel wreath today

Until now, a laurel wreath adorns the winners of various art and music competitions. The title "laureate" literally means "decorated with a laurel," which means a winner worthy of wearing this symbol of triumph. Photos of modern laureates show that today they are not decorated with wreaths, as ancient winners. Just the insignia of scientists and musicians necessarily contain images of laurel leaves. According to some sources, the scientific title of "bachelor" also came from the name of the laurel branch.

Thus, from the ancient past, the laurel has come safely in our time, almost without losing its symbolic meaning.