Himmeli facts for kids
Himmeli are special, traditional decorations from Northern Europe. The word "himmeli" comes from a Swedish word meaning "heaven" or "sky." These decorations look like hanging sculptures, often made from natural materials like reeds or straw. They can also be decorated with small pieces of wood, eggshells, bird feathers, and yarn.
A basic himmeli usually has 12 parts. These parts are said to represent the 12 months of the year. People traditionally use himmeli as decorations from Christmas until Midsummer. Long ago, people believed that himmeli helped ensure a good harvest for the next year. They thought the himmeli acted as a home for a special "crop spirit." This spirit was believed to protect the plants. The himmeli would hang from the ceiling, often above the dinner table. People believed that a larger himmeli meant a larger rye crop! Today, himmeli can also be made from modern materials like plywood, paper, or even plastic straws.
Himmeli Today
While himmeli might not be in every Finnish home anymore, many people are bringing this cool tradition back to life! It has become very popular as a craft and a unique decoration. For example, Eija Koski has even written books about how to make them.
Himmeli are not just made from straw anymore. People now use different materials like plastic straws or even metal tubes. Himmeli made from metal can be used as decorations all year round, not just at Christmas. Some himmeli are designed to hold air plants or small potted plants. You can even find himmeli designs in fancy home decor, like pendant lights!
Himmeli have also become a popular and simple craft project. Even though some himmeli can be very detailed and complex, smaller ones are quite easy to make. Many websites offer step-by-step guides on how to create them. You can find lists of materials or even buy special kits that have everything you need. This makes himmeli a fun activity for kids and teens!
How Himmeli Are Made
Making a himmeli starts with collecting the right materials. The best straw from the rye harvest is carefully cut. These pieces are usually about 6.5 feet long. Then, the straw is laid out to dry for several weeks. During this time, the green straw changes to a beautiful golden-brown color.
Once the straw is dry, it is cut into smaller sections at its natural joints. These sections are then sorted by how thick they are. Now, the building can begin! The straw pieces are cut to the exact length needed for the design. A thread is then carefully passed through the hollow center of each straw piece. This thread connects the pieces together. The goal is to hide the thread inside the straw so it's almost invisible when you look at the finished himmeli.
Himmeli Shapes
Himmeli are known for their cool geometric shapes. The main diamond pattern often seen in himmeli is thought to look like the fields that farmers used to work in. Himmeli designs can be simple or very complex. They can range from a basic diamond shape to an octahedron (a shape with eight faces).
No matter how complex the pattern, himmeli are always symmetrical when they hang. This means they look balanced from every angle. As a himmeli gently spins, the different angles and patterns create a beautiful, changing display.
