The paper jewels that decorate churches and now more and more homes during Christmas in Mallorca, the Neules, have become an “Intangible Cultural Asset” this week and will therefore be protected forever.
The advisory board for Cultural Heritage of the Consell has approved the declaration and from now on, “the regulations governing their dissemination, disclosure, safeguarding and aspects that must be met to produce them” will come into force, said the island’s Culture Councillor, Antònia Roca.
These decorations are distinct circles with white geometric cut-out motifs or, the most artistic, with intricate Christmas images. Special displaya to mark the occasion are in the Misericòrdia gardens in Palma, where samples of Neules hang from a tree, the Palau del Consell and the Teatre Principal. These creations have been made by the specialist Macià Tugores. Mallorcan students are also getting to know them through a school competition in which more than 1,700 students from 23 schools on the island are taking part. The prizes will be awarded on 19 December in the gardens.
Likewise, 110,000 neules have been distributed among day centres and Gent Gran so that their users can cut them out and decorate their rooms. The aim is to “encourage creativity and participation”, as well as “integrate all groups into this tradition”, since the Consell is not only targeting young people and the elderly, but also anyone who wants to make neules. For those interested, they can pick up templates at the Misericòrdia headquarters and join in.
As Roca said, “they are much more than just decoration, because they are a symbol of our identity as a people and a link between generations that we cannot lose,” hence the importance of protecting this cultural, artisanal and heritage element that was once deeply rooted in Mallorca.
The Grup de Neuleres i Neulers has been recovering the tradition and has already grown to a hundred enthusiasts since it was created two years ago. Some are authentic craftsmen who carry out filigree work and all of them have become “hooked” on an initiative whose tools are paper, scissors, a cutter and a cutting board; and which is now protected thanks to the drive of researcher Tomàs Martínez.
Here in the north, neules are displayed in the churches and are available in Christmas markets, local shops to buy for your home.