Several years ago a very popular Celtic singer had a hit song where it spoke of placing garlands. Oddly enough, this custom is also mentioned in the Bible in Acts 14:13.
Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. (KJV)
According to 'Manners and Customer of the Bible' by James M. Freeman, it was normal for the cities to build temples to the various God in the suburbs of the cities. The unfortunates who were sacrificed to the god were crowned with garlands of cypress, pine, leaves or flowers. Sometimes they were put on the alters or the priests themselves.
It is also interesting to note that during the Greek Olympics, which is the origins of our current ones, the winners were crowned with a garland of leaves or flowers.
The tradition of garlands is extended into today. Although not publicly used as they were in Paul's day in the city streets for sacrifices, they are used for pagan rituals and handfastings, local Renaissance Fairs, weddings using the theme of the latter often worn by the bride and even the wreaths of pine boughs hung at Christmas on doors or even over the fireplace.
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