Bible Dictionary
Garlands
Garlands were wreaths or bands of wool, leaves, and flowers used to adorn sacrificial victims, altars, priests, and attendants in heathen worship.
Definition
Garlands were wreaths or bands made from wool, leaves, and flowers. They were used to decorate sacrificial victims and could also adorn altars, priests, and attendants.
Biblical Usage
Garlands are mentioned in connection with the heathen sacrifice offered at Lystra after the healing associated with Paul and Barnabas.
Historical Background
In heathen sacrificial practice, the decorations were interwoven from natural materials and placed on both the offering and those participating in the rite.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(Acts 14:13). In heathen sacrifices the victims were adorned with fillets and garlands made of wool, with leaves and flowers interwoven. The altar and the priests and attendants were also in like manner adorned.