pompoms

Pompoms, or pom-poms, are fluffy decorative clusters formed by gathering fibers into a ball or tassel. They can be spherical or fringed and vary in size. The name derives from the French pompon, with a long history in decorative arts.

Materials and construction: They are made from yarn, wool, cotton, synthetic fibers, tissue paper, or metallic strips such as mylar. Typical hand-made pom-poms are created by wrapping strands around a central core (cardboard, plastic, or foam), collecting the strands at the center, and securing them with a tie. Commercial pom-poms are assembled by machines and may use curled or ribbon-like strips to create a shiny surface.

Uses: Pompoms appear in crafts, fashion accessories (hats, bags, scarves), home decor, and event decorations. They are also a staple in sports and performance contexts, especially in cheerleading, where bright, lightweight pom-poms are used to accent arm movements and sounds.

History: The pompon term has European linguistic roots and has been used for centuries in decorative arts. In the United States, pompoms became especially associated with organized cheerleading in the 20th century and have since become widely produced and used worldwide.

Care and safety: Some pom-poms contain small parts and pose choking hazards for small children. Cleaning depends on materials: yarn or fabric pom-poms are usually hand-washed or spot-cleaned; metallic or tissue-based ones may be more delicate and require careful handling.