Learning French: the different meanings behind guirlande

Guirlande is one of those multi-purpose words you will be hearing or seeing a lot of in France, especially around Christmas time. 

As a general rule of thumb, you can use this word to refer to a decorative strip that can be hung or strung. 

The word garland also exists in English, as well as the verb ‘to garland,’ referring to the act of decorating. 

However, the English language also features more commonly-used, specific terms to describe exactly the kind of garlands we wish to refer to. 

It can also refer to a string of flowers and leaves, worn around someone’s neck or head in cultural or religious celebrations. 

From fairy lights to tree tinsel, we will look at how to make yourself understood when referring to a guirlande.

The festive guirlande

Many people enjoy decorating their homes to celebrate the festive season. This often includes hanging branches, leaves and twinkly lights over stair banisters or mantle pieces. 

Christmas garland - Guirlande de Noël

Tinsel - Guirlande

Paper chain - Guirlande en papier 

Bead chain - Guirlande de perles

Read also: Festive French phrases and words for the Christmas period

The flashy guirlande 

Fairy lights or tree lights - Guirlande électrique/lumineuse 

Patio string lights - Guirlande guinguette

Christmas lights - Illuminations de Noël

"One of the best-selling home decorations this year, according to Le Monde newspaper, is a guirlande guinguette – a string of coloured lights typically used to festoon their terraces."

Read also: French driver warned for Christmas lights on car: road safety laws explained

The floral or flag guirlande

This word can also refer to a floral arrangement in the form of a necklace, wreath or hanging decoration. 

Floral chain arrangement - Guirlande de fleurs

Wreath - Couronne

Bunting - Guirlande de fanions, or drapeaux et banderoles, or pavoisement

Read also: Rediscovering guinguettes: The charm of riverside dining in France