The Christmas ball 2024
This year's Christmas ball in Nyborg continues the tradition of being hand-knitted in wool, designed by the talented Lise-Lotte Jensen of Ulrikkagarn. The intricate designs represent hope, joy, and the spirit of Christmas, while also paying homage to local folklore.
Tradition and Craftsmanship Unite in This Year's Christmas Ball
When it is time to decorate the Christmas tree, a new, locally produced and sustainable wool ornament can add a special touch. Designed by Lise-Lotte Jensen, co-owner of Ulrikkagarn in Nyborg, the Christmas ball has a particular focus on conveying history through knitting. Each Christmas ball is hand-knitted either by Lise-Lotte herself or her partner, 82-year-old Lone from Rudkøbing.
"We are delighted to once again offer our guests a locally produced Christmas ornament made from sustainable materials," says Kim Furdal, Head of the Cultural History Department at Østfyns Museer. "The Christmas ball is entirely unique to Nyborg, and the various motifs tell both of Danish Christmas and refer to good local Christmas stories. Once again, thank you to Lise-Lotte from Ulrikkagarn for taking on the challenge of both designing and knitting this year's ornament."
An Organic and Sustainable Christmas Ornament
In this age of great focus on climate and sustainability, a knitted Christmas ball is very much in line with the times. Each Christmas ball is hand-knitted, the yarn is organic and GOTS* certified, and purchased from a Danish supplier. The ornament is knitted entirely in natural brown yarn. The red yarn is plant-dyed in Nyborg with natural colors such as madder, redwood, and cochineal, while the yellow yarn is plant-dyed with weeds from Lise-Lotte's horse pasture in Frørup.
Design and Choice of Motifs
The Christmas ball is divided into four different motifs. One of them is an old acquaintance, namely the gnome. "In Nyborg and the surrounding area, there are many stories about gnomes, and one of them is about Mads Nisse, who has lived at Borgmestergården since it was built in 1601. At Borgmestergården, you can also find Nyborg's oldest paper Christmas angel. The angel is an important symbol at Christmas, for it was an angel who appeared to the shepherds in the field. The angel also carries the light with him," says Lise-Lotte Jensen.
But the light in a candle is also a motif in itself. Light is hope and joy. It can be hope for the future and for peace in the world in a troubled time. In Denmark, we decorate with lights in towns and homes during the long, dark winter months. Last but not least, the ornament also features the motif of a kringle. The kringle smells of Christmas and is associated with Christmas baking, coziness in the kitchen, and something sweet for the palate in the cold months.
A Heart with a Year and a Greeting to H.C. Andersen
Last year, several people expressed a wish for the Christmas ball to be dated in some way. Lise-Lotte has solved this this year by sewing a small wooden Christmas button to the bottom of the Christmas ball, on which the number 24 is printed. The small button is not chosen by chance. It plays together with one of Nyborg's connections to H.C. Andersen. In the story "Heartache," which takes place in Skippergade, a small button plays a special role. Moreover, the famous author also had a local connection. H.C. Andersen visited Regisse Kilde in Frørup on his way to Glorup Manor, and he was also often a guest at Lykkesholm Castle near Ørbæk.
How to Get the Ornament
This year's Christmas ball can be purchased at Borgmestergården, Slotsgade 11, in Nyborg from November 22nd. The Christmas ball costs 160 DKK and quantities are limited.
*GOTS certification is a guarantee that textiles are produced in an environmentally correct and socially responsible manner. GOTS requires that at least 70 percent of the product consists of certified organic fibers, and that all chemicals, such as dyes, meet the specific environmental requirements.