Souvenir wreath in a glass frame

Weddings and their anniversaries, especially decadal anniversaries, are excellent occasions to present the spouses with gifts. In Germany, including Pomerania, commemorative wreaths, framed in deep glass box frames, were popular gifts in the second half of the 19th and first half of the 20th century. They resembled small display cases in appearance. They were made with great care and often had small pieces of paper placed inside with the names of the bearers, the date of the event being commemorated, or a dedication. They were put in places of honour in the home and passed down from generation to generation. Similar souvenirs were also presented on the occasion of events such as birthdays. The featured wreath dates back to around 1900. It was made of small leaves imitating myrtle, symbolising love, happiness and fertility, an attribute that has been a part of brides for centuries. This suggests that the wreath was intended to commemorate a wedding or its anniversary, but further details are unknown. The piece of paper inside the wreath does not reveal any inscription informing on the occasion and to whom it was to be offered. The finishing touches to the keepsake are quite decorative, featuring mirrors providing a multi-dimensional impression and decorations in gilded paper with floral motifs. Agnieszka Slowinska