A laurel wreath is a circular wreath made of interlocking branches and leaves of the bay laurel (Laurus nobilis), an aromatic broadleaf evergreen, or later from spineless butcher's broom (Ruscus hypoglossum) or cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus). In Greek mythology, Apollo is represented wearing a laurel wreath on his head. In ancient Greece wreaths were awarded to victors, both in athletic competitions, including the ancient Olympics made of wild olive-tree known as "kotinos" (κότινος), (sc. at Olympia) and in poetic meets; in Rome they were symbols of martial victory, crowning a successful commander during his triumph. Whereas ancient laurel wreaths are most often depicted as a horseshoe shape, modern versions are usually complete rings.
In common modern idiomatic usage it refers to a victory. The expression "resting on one's laurels" refers to someone relying entirely on long-past successes for continued fame or recognition, where to "look to one's laurels" means to be careful of losing rank to competition.
Read more about Laurel Wreath: Academic Use, Architectural and Decorative Arts Motif, Wreath of Service
Other articles related to "laurel wreath, wreaths, laurel, laurel wreaths, wreath":
... Lewty and Bursar Mary Coxall added a laurel wreath around the crest in 1963 ... In heraldic terms, the laurel wreath identifies heroes returning from battle and technically should only be displayed on crests which have been carried ... For this reason the laurel wreath was removed in 1999 ...
... The laurel wreath around the star in the lower field remained unchanged to retain the legacy of the Chief Master Sergeants of the Air Force ... collar brass, the ring is replaced with a laurel wreath for the CMSAF ...
... a Maltese cross with two or three inner raised rims, resting on one or two circular wreaths of laurel, with a large round gilt central medallion bearing the number of years service surrounded by a ... Por la Patria (50 years service) - yellow enameled gilt cross, two laurel wreaths, diagonal red-white-green ribbon with the Mexican eagle as suspender Institutional (45 years ...
... The "wreath of service" is located on all commissioner position patches in the Boy Scouts of America ... The Wreath of Service represents commitment to program and unit service ...
... She holds a wreath and a palm ... in the church which has depictions of a wreath and standard and a lion and the words "Pro Patria" carved on each side of the inscription ... Reliefs depict mourning female figures with a "Next of Kin Plaque" and laurel wreaths and a palm branch ...
Famous quotes containing the words wreath and/or laurel:
“And before, with banner red,
Through the blizzard snow unseen,
All unharmed by hail of lead,
With a step like snow so light,
Showered in myriad pearls of snow.
Crowned in wreath of roses white,
Christ leads onward as they go.”
—Alexander Blok (1880–1921)
“The graceful flowers of innocence are more valuable than the laurel crown of fame.”
—Franz Grillparzer (1791–1872)