Roman customs and ideas
Many Roman customs and ideas were originally inspired by ancient Greek mythology, including wearing the so-called (laurel wreath), which Apollo used to symbolize.
For clarification; Apollo is one of the main figures in ancient Greek mythology who was associated with athletics, and who was also known for driving his chariot in the sky to bring sunrise to Earth, according to these ancient beliefs.
The ancient Greek myth says why Apollo wore a laurel wreath: It is his love and constant pursuit of a river mermaid named (Daphne), who did not share the same feelings and was not interested in him. In order to escape from him, Daphne turned into a laurel tree, and Apollo wore a laurel wreath in her honor.
Also, later myths indicate that Apollo awarded laurel wreaths to winners of music, poetry, and athletic competitions...
(We return to our main topic about the use of laurel wreaths)
The laurel wreath is a circular wreath made of broad, overlapping laurel leaves, and is an ancient symbol of victory that was first used at the Greek Olympic Games, where it was awarded to the winners of these games. However, the Romans later used it as a symbol of military victory, and it was presented to the victorious military leader to wear in his procession through the streets of ancient Rome. It was also awarded to winners of cultural meetings and poetry seminars. Until now, the laurel wreath is worn in Italy on important occasions such as graduation ceremonies.
• Sources:
__ Laurel Wreath, by Mythology Crafts (Greek And Roman Activities) November 15, 2020.
__ Roman laurel wreath, by The National Museum of Australia.
__ Laurel wreath, by wikipedia.org.