If you’ve ever seen a Finnish Christmas tree up close, you’ll notice it’s not overloaded with shiny plastic baubles or store-bought ornaments. What really stands out are the small handmade decorations that carry stories. One of the most iconic is the joulu heart.
The joulu heart, or woven Christmas heart, looks simple. Two pieces of paper or felt, cut and woven into a basket-shaped heart, often filled with sweets. Yet behind this little decoration lies over a century of tradition, family bonding, and cultural pride.
So why has the joulu heart held on for so long, even in a world obsessed with fast shopping and ready-made décor? Let’s break it down.
What is a Joulu Heart?
A joulu heart is a woven heart-shaped ornament made from two folded pieces of paper or fabric. The colours are usually red and white — the classic tones of Christmas in Finland.
The weaving creates a pocket, like a small basket, that can be filled with nuts, chocolates, or little surprises. Families hang them on Christmas trees, use them in table decorations, or give them as small gifts.
On the surface, it looks like nothing more than a craft project. But in Finland, it’s loaded with meaning.
Where Did the Tradition Come From?
The joulu heart didn’t start in Finland, but Finland made it their own.
- The earliest recorded woven paper heart is credited to Hans Christian Andersen, the Danish fairy tale writer. In the 1860s, he crafted a simple heart basket as a gift.
- From Denmark, the idea spread across Scandinavia.
- By the late 1800s and early 1900s, the craft had reached Finland and settled firmly into Christmas culture.
Why did it stick so strongly in Finland? Because Finns have always valued traditions that bring families together without needing money or complicated tools. Paper, scissors, and patience — that’s all it takes.
Why the Joulu Heart Matters in Finnish Homes
For many Finnish families, Christmas isn’t about buying the latest gadgets or filling the house with glitter. It’s about slowing down and spending time together.
The joulu heart fits that perfectly:
- Family activity – Parents, children, and grandparents can all sit at the same table, cutting, folding, and weaving.
- Memory-making – Each heart carries the memory of the year it was made. Some families keep theirs for decades.
- Simplicity – No need to shop for fancy ornaments. It’s all about creativity.
- Sharing – Because they’re little baskets, they’re perfect for holding sweets to share with guests.
When you see a Christmas tree full of joulu hearts, you’re looking at hours of family work, not just decoration.
Step-by-Step: How to Make a Joulu Heart
Want to try one yourself? Here’s how most Finnish kids are introduced to the tradition.
- Fold the Paper – Take two rectangular pieces of coloured paper (often red and white) and fold each one in half.
- Cut the Strips – Round the top edge and cut slits up from the fold to create strips.
- Weave Together – Interlock the strips by weaving one inside the other. Unlike normal weaving, you pass each strip through, not over and under.
- Form the Basket – When woven, the heart naturally forms a pocket.
- Add a Handle – Attach a strip of paper or ribbon so it can hang on the tree.
- Fill It Up – Drop in nuts, chocolates, or even a handwritten note.
Sounds easy? The first one usually ends up crooked. But after a few tries, you’ll see why Finnish kids love them.
Beyond Paper: Different Takes on Joulu Hearts
While paper is the traditional material, Finns have put their own spin on the craft over the years.
- Felt hearts – Softer, reusable, and more durable for long-term use.
- Straw versions – Straw weaving is another Finnish craft tied to Christmas, so some families mix the two.
- Wooden ornaments – Artisans carve joulu hearts as keepsakes.
- Large hanging hearts – Not just for trees, some families make giant joulu hearts to hang in windows.
The basic shape stays the same, but creativity is endless.
Joulu Heart in the Bigger Picture of Finnish Christmas
The joulu heart doesn’t stand alone. It’s part of a larger fabric of Finnish Christmas traditions, each carrying its own meaning.
- Joulupukki (Christmas Goat / Santa) – Finland’s version of Santa, often said to live in Lapland.
- Christmas Sauna – A must-do on Christmas Eve. Families bathe in the sauna before dinner, symbolising cleansing before the holiday.
- Christmas Eve Dinner – Dishes like ham, rosolli salad, and Karelian pies make up the table.
- Candles in Cemeteries – Families light candles at graves to remember loved ones.
In the middle of all this, the joulu heart holds a small but important role. It’s the decoration that embodies the Finnish way of celebrating: family, tradition, and a touch of sweetness.
The Symbolism of the Heart
Why a heart, not a star, bell, or tree?
The heart shape is universal. In the Finnish context, it represents warmth, love, and togetherness during the darkest part of the year.
December in Finland is cold, snowy, and dark. The joulu heart, glowing in the tree lights, becomes a small but powerful reminder of light, love, and hope.
How Joulu Hearts Are Taught in Schools
In Finland, making joulu hearts isn’t just a family thing. Schools bring it into classrooms too.
- Children learn the craft in early primary school.
- Teachers tie it into lessons about history, culture, and holiday customs.
- The hearts often decorate classrooms or are given as gifts to parents.
By teaching the tradition at school, Finland ensures every generation grows up with it.
Joulu Heart as a Symbol Abroad
For Finns living abroad, the joulu heart becomes more than decoration. It’s a piece of home.
- Expats often make joulu hearts with their children to pass on Finnish heritage.
- Finnish churches and cultural centres abroad use joulu hearts in their Christmas events.
- Even outside Finland, the sight of a red-and-white paper heart immediately connects back to Finnish roots.
FAQs
What colours are most common for joulu hearts?
Traditionally red and white, though green, gold, and silver versions are becoming more common.
Do people still make joulu hearts by hand?
Yes. Even though shops sell ready-made ones, the handmade tradition is still strong.
How long do they last?
Paper hearts usually last one Christmas, but felt or wooden versions can last for years.
Are joulu hearts unique to Finland?
No, the craft started in Denmark, but Finland embraced it and made it part of its national Christmas identity.
Can I make them without special tools?
Yes. All you need is paper, scissors, and a bit of focus.
Final Thoughts
The joulu heart Finnish Christmas tradition shows us that the strongest traditions aren’t about cost or size. They’re about meaning.
A bit of paper, some weaving, and suddenly you’ve got a symbol of family, kindness, and love that lights up every Finnish Christmas.
It’s proof that sometimes the smallest, simplest decorations are the ones that last the longest.