what are the origins of hanging wreaths on doors?

I remember reading that the crowns of laurel leaves given to heroes and distinguished persons in ancient Rome were sometimes displayed by the recipients upon their doorsteps; perhaps that is one origin of the custom.

People have been making wreaths since ancient times; and for many reasons. I suspect that wreaths were already being used when someone first adapted them to use at Christmas. Hanging wreaths at Christmas became popular in Europe some time in the 1700s. Wreaths form a circle, which represents eternity (no beginning, no end). Evergreen branches are used to convey hope, and some churches say life everlasting through Christ. Evergreens have been used to decorate homes for a very long time; staying green all winter was a hopeful sign. I've always hung evergreen wreaths for Christmas, and have used an Advent Wreath as well. To me, the circle and evergreens are still powerful reminders, and I also think they are festive. I think we humans have always 'decorated' our spaces.

This is the best page I have found on the subject. With some cautions:

http://www.bukisa.com/articles/36357_history-of-th...

There is some evidence that the Celts and Germans diverged in Historic times -- even Caesar commented on a strong relationship between them and their beliefs. Nevertheless there is considerable evidence for both groups for a long time before then. As early as the third century B. C. one group of Celts established the province of Galatian in what is now Turkey after their countrymen had failed to sack Delphi.

In Carolingian times when there was heavy pressure and considerable effort to Christianize the Angles, there are references to their worship of the Evergreen. Everybody hung wreaths, or wore them in the Mediterranean, in ancient times, and the Celts and Germans used evergreens because they worshiped them -- part of the legend of the Black Forest is that it was holy, and that was why it contained witches and so many other fantastic things.

That is the origin of the wreaths.

Pagans used to hang wreaths on their doors to welcome their gods and keep evil spirits out, the christian religion adopted these for some silly reason.

might be more productive th check the origin of wreath sellers