Lehdyksiä

Lehdyksiä is a traditional Finnish art form and a significant part of Finnish folklore. It involves the decoration of birch branches, typically during the midwinter season, with swinging lights, ribbons, and other ornaments. The most well-known type of lehdyksiä is the lumipallo, or snowball, but it can also refer to other types of winter decorations.

The tradition of making lehdyksiä is deeply rooted in Finnish culture and history. The type of decoration that is most commonly associated with lehdyksiä is the lumipallo, a large, spherical decoration made from a network of birch branches and adorned with candles, lights, and ribbons. The lumipallo is often decorated in a way that represents different nature motifs, such as snowflakes, flowers, and animals.

Lehdyksiä are typically made by individuals, families, and communities in winter, often as a way to celebrate the season and mark important events, such as Christmas. The act of making lehdyksiä is a social activity in Finland, and many people enjoy the company of friends and family while working on these decorations. Lehdysiä are an important aspect of Finnish cultural heritage, and their creation and display continue to be a beloved tradition in Finland.

While lehdyksiä are an important part of Finnish folklore, they are also a romanticized aspect of Finnish culture, often used in marketing and tourism efforts to promote a fantastical image of Finnish identity.