What Are Woven Hearts in Denmark?

If you are walking around Copenhagen at Christmas, you may notice something rather lovely: red and white woven paper hearts hanging in windows, on doors and, most importantly, on Christmas trees.

These are Danish woven Christmas hearts, known in Denmark as flettede julehjerter or simply julehjerter.

They are one of Denmark’s most beloved Christmas traditions. Families weave them together, children learn to make them, and old hearts are carefully unpacked year after year. A simple piece of folded paper can become part of a family’s Christmas memories for decades.

Why Do Danes Weave Christmas Hearts?

Danish woven hearts are traditionally made from two pieces of paper, often red and white, which are cut, folded and woven together to form a small heart-shaped basket.

They are hung on the Christmas tree and can even be filled with small sweets or treats.

But the tradition is about much more than decoration.

For many Danes, weaving Christmas hearts is something we do together. Around a table, with our hands occupied, we talk, help each other and create something that may return to the Christmas tree for years to come.

Hans Christian Andersen and the Danish Paper Heart

The oldest known Danish woven paper heart was made by Hans Christian Andersen in the 1860s.

Today he is known around the world for stories such as The Little Mermaid and The Ugly Duckling. In Denmark, his little woven paper heart is also part of the story of a Christmas tradition that has continued through generations.

It is a rather wonderful connection for Ugly Duckli. Our name is inspired by The Ugly Duckling, while the woven heart sits at the centre of what we do.

Christmas Tradition or Symbol of Love?

In Denmark, woven paper hearts belong naturally to Christmas.

But visitors from other countries often see something else first: love.

That makes perfect sense. Around the world, hearts are associated with romance, weddings, anniversaries and affection.

So the Danish woven heart can carry both meanings. It is a traditional Danish Christmas decoration, but it is also a simple and universal symbol of love and connection.

What Woven Hearts Mean to Me

For me, the most beautiful part of the tradition is not whether every heart becomes perfect.

It is what happens while we make them.

We sit together. We help each other. We talk. And eventually the little heart we made becomes connected to the people who were there when we made it.

When we weave hearts, we weave ourselves into each other’s lives.

That is the part of the Danish Christmas heart tradition I would most like Ugly Duckli to help carry forward.

Can You Make Danish Woven Hearts at Home?

Absolutely.

Ugly Duckli’s DIY Paper Heart Gift Box contains the materials you need to weave traditional red and white Danish Christmas hearts yourself.

The gift box is Ugly Duckli’s own design, made in Denmark from Danish materials, so you can bring a little piece of the tradition into your own Christmas.

FAQ: Woven Hearts in Denmark

What are Danish woven hearts?

Danish woven hearts, or julehjerter, are small heart-shaped paper baskets traditionally woven and hung on Danish Christmas trees.

What are Danish woven hearts made of?

Traditionally they are made from folded paper, often in red and white. The two pieces are cut and woven together to create a small basket that can hold sweets.

Are woven hearts only for Christmas in Denmark?

They are primarily a Danish Christmas tradition. Outside Denmark, however, many people also see the woven heart as a beautiful symbol of love.

Did Hans Christian Andersen make woven paper hearts?

Yes. The oldest known Danish woven paper heart was made by Hans Christian Andersen in the 1860s.

Can I learn to make Danish woven hearts in Copenhagen?

Yes. Ugly Duckli offers a Private Paper Heart Experience in Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, for one private group of 1 to 6 guests.

Can I make Danish Christmas hearts at home?

Yes. You can use Ugly Duckli’s DIY Paper Heart Gift Box or begin with our free weaving guide.