Christiane Mindemann (38) from Rheinsberg crochets so-called worry and happiness worms Photo: Ufuk Ucta
By Isabel Pancake
They hang in Berlin and Brandenburg on supermarket shelves, on fences or bicycles. These mysterious woolly worms! But what does it mean?
The small works of art are so-called happiness and worry worms. They are intended to take away the fears of their finder and make them smile. Almost 100 Berliners and Brandenburgers have already organized themselves into a Facebook group and are distributing the tiny, self-crocheted little things made from leftover wool everywhere.
Christiane Mindemann (38) from Rheinsberg crochets so-called worry worms and happiness worms Photo: Ufuk Ucta
This also applies to Christiane Mindemann (38) from Rheinsberg (Ostprignitz-Ruppin). She says: “My hobby is making others happy. I either give away vegetables from my garden or the worry worms.”
It takes half an hour for a small one and about an hour for a larger and more complex one. In just three weeks she crocheted almost 75 worms!
The following applies: the more creative, the better. Mindemann has already produced angels, princesses, mermaids, snowmen and bears.
The materials for crocheting worry worms: scissors, glue, pins, wool and beads for the heads Photo: Ufuk Ucta
Most worry and happiness hunters poach the animals all over the place. However, each creative person decides for themselves how the worms are distributed. “I’ve even given one away directly to a nice cashier,” says Mindemann.
Also a grateful customer: social institutions such as a hospice.