Pleated Christmas hearts

Danish craft ornament This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.Find sources: "Pleated Christmas hearts" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (April 2013) (Learn how and when to remove this message) Various pleated Christmas hearts Pleated Christmas hearts (Danish: Julehjerte) are Danish, Norwegian, and north German crafts, commonly used as Christmas ornaments.

[edit] The exact age and origin of the tradition of making paper hearts is unknown, but the oldest known pleated Christmas hearts were made by the Danish author Hans Christian Andersen in 1860. However, as Andersen's heart has no handle, it seems unlikely it could have been used as a Christmas tree ornament. Andersen's pleated heart is today located in the Hans Christian Andersen Museum in the city of Odense in Denmark. It is documented, however, that Andersen did make decorations for Christmas trees, and that the predecessors of the pleated Christmas hearts were miniature wicker baskets.[citation needed] The oldest known guide to making pleated Christmas hearts is found in an 1871 edition of the Danish journal Nordisk Husflidstidende. The oldest pleated Christmas heart (from 1873) is preserved at the National Museum of Norway, in Oslo. But it was still some 40 years before the pleated Christmas hearts became more widespread. The oldest depiction of a Christmas tree decorated with pleated hearts dates from 1901 from the Danish manor house Søllestedgaard. That same year, the pleated heart motif was used by Swedish artist Carl Larsson in the lithograph Brita as Idun. It is believed that Danish kindergartens from around 1910 started spreading the use of the pleated Christmas hearts, which were made from glossy paper in order to enhance the children's creative abilities, patience, and fine motor skills.[citation needed]

[edit] The first pleated Christmas book, Julehjerter (1975), was released by the Lottrup Knudsen brothers.[citation needed] A more recent book (2002) which includes a big variety of pleated Christmas heart templates, is Francis Jordt's Flettede julehjerter(https://bibliotek.kk.dk/ting/object/870970-basis%3A24272486)

The simple, paper‑folded heart has endured because it fits the Scandinavian love of light, colour and handmade charm. Unlike glass baubles, a pleated julehjerte catches the twinkling bulbs and throws soft shadows across the room, adding depth without overwhelming the decor. Its modest size means you can hang dozens in clusters for a whimsical, almost textile‑like effect, a trick popular in Danish homes since the 19th‑century folk‑craft revival. The heart shape also taps into the universal symbol of goodwill, making it a neutral yet emotionally resonant ornament that works in both traditional and modern settings.

When choosing julehjerte decorations, start with the paper stock – thicker, acid‑free paper will hold its shape longer and resist the seasonal humidity of a heated living room. Look for sets that offer a mix of sizes; larger hearts work well on a mantle or wreath, while smaller ones add sparkle to a garland. Colour palettes matter: classic red and white suit a traditional Christmas, but muted greys or forest greens blend beautifully with a contemporary palette. Finally, check if the set includes a thin wire loop or card slot – the latter makes hanging easier and keeps the paper from tearing under the weight of heavier ornaments.

For maximum visual impact, group pleated hearts in odd numbers and vary their heights. Attach a few to a simple pine branch in a vase for a tabletop centrepiece, or drape a string of them along a window frame to catch natural light. If you’re feeling crafty, layer hearts over a woollen garland – the textures complement each other and create a cosy, tactile look. To protect the delicate folds, avoid direct contact with heat sources and consider a light mist of clear fixative spray if you plan to keep them year after year. With a bit of thought, these modest ornaments become the quiet stars of any festive display.