garlanded

Garlanded is the past participle and adjective of the verb garland, meaning decorated or adorned with garlands. A garland is a decorative chain or wreath made of flowers, leaves, or other materials, formed into a loop or festoon. When something is garlanded, it is adorned with such garlands, typically for celebration, ceremony, or honor.

Etymology: The word garland derives from Old French garlande (garlande), from Italian garlanda, and Latin garlanda, all referring to a wreath or chain of flowers or leaves. The English form garlanded uses the standard -ed suffix to create the past participle and adjective.

Usage and contexts: Garlanding is common in many cultures. In South Asian and Southeast Asian traditions, garlands of flowers are offered to guests, deities, or dignitaries as a sign of welcome, respect, or blessing. In ceremonial settings such as weddings, festivals, or state events, participants and monuments may be garlanded. The act can be decorative as well as symbolic, signifying honor or celebration. In English, garlanded can describe objects or people that are adorned with garlands, or be used metaphorically to mean "garlanded with" decorations or accolades (garlanded with laurels).

Examples and related terms: A doorway or statue may be garlanded for a festival; a winner may be garlanded by supporters. Related terms include festooned, bedecked, and decorated; a lei is a similar floral garland used in some cultures.

See also: floral wreath, festoon, lei, adornment.