Festone

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A decorative chain of flowers, leaves or fruit hung in a curve between two points, often used in architecture and art
2. An ornamental garland or swag suspended in a looped shape, typically carved or painted on walls, friezes or furniture
3. A hanging loop of foliage, ribbon or carved fruit used as a decorative motif on buildings and interiors

Etymology: The Latin "festum" meant a feast or holiday, the source of English "festive" and "festival." Italian formed "festa" from it, then added the augmentative suffix "-one" to make "festone," a large festive decoration. The shape was named after a celebration: a garland hung up for a party, not a plant or object. The term passed into French as "feston" and then into English as "festoon." Like its Italian source, the English word first described hanging garlands of flowers, leaves or cloth at celebrations. Its later use for carved or painted looped garlands on walls and furniture extends that festal decoration into durable material, so the same looped form appears in stone, plaster and paint.