About Garland

A garland is a decorative braid, knot or wreath of flowers, leaves, or other material. Garlands can be worn on the head or around the neck, hung on an inanimate object, or laid in a place of cultural or religious importance. == Etymology == From the French guirlande, itself from the Italian ghirlanda, a braid. == Types == Bead garland Flower garland Lei - the traditional garland of Hawaiʻi Pennant garland Pine garland Popcorn and/or cranberry garland Rope garland Tinsel garland Vine garland Balloon garland Mundamala - garland of severed heads or skulls, found in Hindu and Tibetan Buddhist iconography === Daisy chain === A garland created from the daisy flower (generally as a children's game) is called a daisy chain. One method of creating a daisy chain is to pick daisies and create a hole towards the base of the stem (such as with fingernails or tying a knot). The stem of the next flower can be threaded through until stopped by the head of the flower. By repeating this with many daisies, it is possible to build up long chains and to form them into simple bracelets and necklaces. Another popular method involves pressing the flower heads against each other to create a look similar to a caterpillar. The terms "daisy chain" or "daisy chaining" can also refer to various technical and social "chains." == In literature == In Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, before Alice's adventures begin, she is sitting outside with her sister considering whether to make a daisy chain before being interrupted by a White Rabbit. === In poetry === Garlands appear in numerous poems, including "La Belle Dame sans Merci" by John Keats.