The Instructor 2.8.70

Such too is the use of garlands, belonging to revels and drunkenness: “Away! Do not put a garland on my head.” In spring it is good to spend time in dewy, soft meadows, green with many-colored flowers, feeding like the bees on their natural, pure fragrance; but to adorn oneself with a woven garland from an untouched meadow and carry it about at home does not befit the self-controlled. It is not fitting to crown the hair of revelers with rosebuds or violets or lilies or other such flowers, decking out the grass. A garland placed around the head chills it, both through moisture and through coldness. That is why physicians, holding that the brain is cold by nature, think it right to anoint the chest and the tips of the nostrils with perfume, so that the fiery vapor, passing quietly, may vigorously warm the coldness. It is far from right, then, to chill it with flowers, when the sinews want warming. Moreover, those who are crowned lose the delight of the flowers. For those who bind the garland above their eyes do not enjoy seeing it, nor do those who put the flowers above their breathing enjoy the fragrance; for since fragrance naturally rises and evaporates above the head, the breath is left without enjoyment, the fragrance being carried off. Like beauty, the flower delights when seen; and we should glorify the Creator by enjoying good things through sight. Their use is harmful, and passes quickly, punished by regret.