In the culture of ancient Greece, the laurel was considered the personification of victory and peace and was dedicated to two deities, one way or another connected with art - Apollon and Dionysus. That is why wreaths woven from laurel branches crowned the winners of competitions among musicians, poets and playwrights.
According to the myth, the golden-haired Apollo once laughed at Eros, considering the bow and arrows of the eternal baby just a toy. The vindictive Eros decided to take revenge on Apollo. Seizing the moment, he shot an arrow in the heart of God that aroused in him a love for the beautiful nymph Daphne. At the same time, another arrow was launched into Daphne’s heart, causing disgust.
Seeing his beloved in the forest, Apollo rushed after her in pursuit, not examining the road. Young Daphne turned to the gods, praying to protect her from her pursuer. Then the gods turned the girl into a laurel tree. The inconsolable Apollo made the laurel his sacred plant. Whole laurel groves began to grow on top of Parnassus, where 9 Muses lived - the constant companions of Apollo. Laurel trees were surrounded and numerous temples of Apollo.
From laurel branches weaved garlands and wreaths intended for festivities in honor of Apollo. Traditionally, the healing power was attributed to the laurel, as well as the power that eliminates spiritual desecration. It was believed that laurel leaves cleanse a person of spilled blood. Apollo himself purified himself after they killed the dragon Python. The goddess of victory Nick, as a rule, was portrayed with a laurel wreath, which awarded the winner. In the Hellenistic era, the laurel branch or laurel wreath turned into the emblem of glory.
In ancient Rome, laurel branches and wreaths became the highest signs of the military valor and glory of the emperor. After another victory, the soldiers wrapped their arms around the laurel branches and stacked them at the foot of the statue of Jupiter. Thus, in Rome, the laurel turned into a sacred plant not only of Apollo, but also of the supreme god - Jupiter. Laurel branches and wreaths are often depicted on coins. The first Roman emperors, including the great Caesar, wore laurel wreaths instead of a crown.
According to the tradition that came from Greece, laurel wreaths were awarded to poets and speakers renowned for their craftsmanship. In memory of Daphne, the laurel was also considered a symbol of integrity and was dedicated to the virgin priestesses of the goddess Vesta - the vestals.
In the first centuries of Christianity, evergreen leaves of laurel began to be considered a symbol of new life. According to one of the Old Testament legends, the global flood ended at the moment when the pigeon brought Noah a laurel branch in its beak. Thus, she turned into a symbol of good news.
In the culture of classicism, the laurel becomes the main emblem of fame. Images of laurel branches and wreaths can be seen on awards given to artists, poets and musicians, as well as on most orders. From the word "laurel" came the well-known word "laureate" - crowned with laurels.
