A Christmas-Themed Puzuris Masterclass in Korea

On December 4, 2025, the Embassy of the Republic of Latvia in the Republic of Korea welcomed members of one of Korea’s oldest women’s social organizations, the Garden Club. The participants had the opportunity to learn the Latvian tradition of crafting puzuris under the guidance of the Ambassador’s spouse, Mrs. Kristīne Bērziņa.

During the workshop, attendees not only made their own ornaments but also gained broader insight into Latvian culture and traditions through a presentation about Latvia. The rich heritage of Latvian culture was highly appreciated, including the long history of the puzuris in folk art, its artisanal aesthetics, and its refined symbolism.

The puzuris is one of the oldest traditional Latvian hanging ornaments. While today it is primarily known as a Christmas decoration, historically it was used for various celebrations long before the Christmas tree tradition was introduced. Puzuris are typically made from reeds, straw, or grain stalks, and are sometimes complemented with materials such as feathers or threads. Since 2021, the puzuris and its crafting tradition have been included in Latvia’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

The event was organized with the aim of promoting Latvia’s visibility in Korea by showcasing one of the country’s most beautiful folk craft traditions and intangible cultural values — the making of puzuris. At the same time, members of the exclusive association had the opportunity to explore Latvian products available in Korea and learn about Latvia’s offerings for travelers.

Photo: Embassy of Latvia in the Republic of Korea