What Does Pom Stand for in Medical Terms

Why We're Obsessed With Mexican Pom-Poms

These colorful tassels and garlands are big in Mexico, and they're going global. See how to decorate with this trendy accessory.

One of my favorite countries in the world is Mexico. I love how colorful the culture is, from the marigolds of Dia De Los Muertos to the neon textiles in the markets. It's like a fever dream of embroidered florals and Otomi animals, and you can't go far without seeing the vibrant, multi-colored pom-poms. The look has gone global in the fashion world with recent trends such as sandals with pom-poms or yarn tassel earrings. And with all that neon, you might think it's a new thing, but these pom-poms have been around for ages.

Authentic pom-poms come from Chiapas, the most southern state of Mexico, and they're made by the Tzotzil, an indigenous Mayan people. Traditionally they were made from cotton, but these days you'll find many artisans opting for acrylic yarn as it looks much brighter.

"[Tzotzil] women use the pom-poms in the braiding of hair," said Mexican artist Alejandra Fernandez. "They hang pom-poms from the end of the braid."

Fernandez, a native of Mexico City, has spent the last decade as a tour guide in Mexico and said she's gotten to know a lot of indigenous people in Chiapas. "There are more tourists coming to the region," she said. "So they're using the same traditional technique of the decoration of their hair, but they started making garlands."

And it's not just garlands. The pom-poms have become very trendy in Mexico. "People use them to decorate their homes or their bags or curtains," said Fernandez.

Fernandez lives in a small village just south of Mexico City. She started her online handmade store Mexican Beauty Shop in 2016 where, with artisans from Chiapas, she makes gorgeous pom-poms, embroidered hearts and other traditional textiles.

"I love pom-poms," she said. "They're so fun. I love that they are colorful. They make you happy."

Culturally, you can find hanging pom-poms in other countries such as Thailand, but these Mexican pom-poms are different because there's so much color. "The colors represent the sun rays," said Fernandez. "It has to be hot red, bright pink, yellow. No pastels."

If you love these tassels as much as we do, read on to see how to style these accessories in your home. Here are four ways to get the look.

Gorgeous Garlands

Bethany Nauert; Styled By: Paige Geffen

Garlands are great for decorating outdoor spaces, especially areas for entertaining. You can hang garlands like a banner or drape around shelving and furniture such as this outdoor ladder.

Colorful Art

You can hang multiple strings of pom-poms vertically to make a larger art piece such as this heart installation I saw in Puerto Vallarta.

John Woodcock Photography

Or you can take individual tassels and pom-poms and display on an embroidery hoop or piece of wood such as the custom piece in this boho-chic bedroom.

Fun Accessories

Just a single pom-pom makes a great accessory, too. Dress up a purse or beach bag with a tassel or use as your keychain this summer.

Festive Trim

If you're inspired by these pom-poms and want to DIY your own decor, a great craft to start with is trim. You can turn colorful placemats and napkins into a fiesta-ready tablescape.

Or turn plain blankets and pillows into festive decor with a simple, no-sew pom-pom trim.

What Does Pom Stand for in Medical Terms

Source: https://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/furniture-and-accessories/mexican-pom-poms-tassels-garlands

Share this post