THE SECRET OF HIMMELI

The himmeli, the quintessential Finnish Christmas decoration, combines elements of geometry and architecture into graceful patterns and shadows.

Although the root of the word "himmeli" is Germanic – in Swedish and German himmel means "heaven" – the himmeli is considered the quintessential traditional Finnish Christmas decoration.

Back in the olden days, himmelis hung above dining tables to ensure a good crop for the coming year, and stayed on display from Christmas till Midsummer. The structure of a himmeli – especially a bigger and more complex one – is visually striking, with geometrical shapes made out of hundreds, or even thousands, of pieces of straw. According to connoisseurs the best himmelis are made out of rye, the grain with the longest and sturdiest stems.

 "I am deeply fascinated by the sacredness of the himmeli. It is crafts, mathematics, hope and healing. I love rye throughout the year." - Hiroka, Japan

See also Himmeli article Eija Koski made by THIS IS FINLAND, from the pages finland.fi.