Hanging of the greens is a tradition rooted in ancient Druid, Celt, Norse and Roman civilizations who celebrated the winter solstice. As pagan cultures converted to Christianity, they continued many of the traditional winter solstice activities including the use of greens to decorate their home and churches at Christmas.

This tradition will be continued in a ceremony at First Congregational Church in Wiscasset during its 10 a.m. service Sunday, Dec. 1. The public is invited to share in this advent season celebration.

The service will feature the presentation of greens in the shape of a star, heart, cross and circle to adorn the sanctuary. As each wreath is brought to the front of the church, a bible passage and responsive reading will highlight the meaning of the special greenery. The star of greens represents the Star of Bethlehem; the heart wreath symbolizes God’s love; the cross, the crucifixion and resurrection; and the circle wreath, eternal love, completing the ceremony.

The church is on the common at 28 High St. For more information, contact the church at 882-7544 or fccw@myfairpoint.net