Pleated Christmas hearts

A Julehjerte to German Christmas heart is a Danish Christmas tree decoration.

Usually, each heart from two pieces is crafted folded glossy paper and then hung in the Christmas tree. Due to the interdependence of the paper gives a closed basket, in which candy or small items can be accommodated. In Sweden, the name of this decoration Julhjärta, in Norway it is called Juletrekurv ( to German Christmas basket).

History

Forerunner of the Christmas hearts were small braided wicker basket or paper cones, which were hung in the Christmas tree. The oldest surviving braided hearts were made ​​by Hans Christian Andersen in the 1860s. However, they lacked the hanger so that they could not be hung in a tree. These hearts are today in HC Andersens Hus, Odense.

The oldest known guide to making a Christmas heart is in the 1871 published edition of " Nordisk Husflidstidende ", the oldest preserved in the Danish National Museum heart is from 1873. General in Denmark distributed then the Christmas hearts were from about 1910. Attributed the spread of Christmas Hearts on in 1904, introduced in Copenhagen kindergartens implement the suggestions of the German educator Friedrich Froebel, who had proposed weaving for children to improve their creative skills, concentration and self-discipline. In Froebel also the dissemination of Fröbelsterne in German-speaking is due.

Technology

Be Christmas heart from two pieces glossy paper usually produced in the national colors red and white, in contrasting colors, in Denmark. The basic form is closed at the top after folding a U 8 cm wide and 12 cm high. Two U - shapes are cut perpendicular to the closed side at equal distances so that a braided area of ​​8 x 8 cm results. Subsequently, the two U- shapes are perpendicular to each other intertwined. With the overhanging arches then forms the heart shape.