Dala Horses. The Perfect Swedish Gift Idea
Dala Horses make for the perfect Swedish gift idea. These small figurine handicraft horses present a unique way, to sum up, the essence of Sweden as a small souvenir, decoration, or gift idea. Although some horses are not painted, the orange or red-colored authentic Swedish Dala Horse is the most famous style that this horse comes in, over time, the selection of sizes and colors these figurine horses come in goes far beyond the shades of the rainbow ranging in from black to pink and blue to white. Also, a favorite, are those simply made of unpainted natural wood allowing for do-it-yourself crafters to render their own artistic vision for the color scheme. This approach is often used with schoolteachers who have lesson plans teaching about this Scandinavian country.
History & Origin of The Dala Horse
Here is a little bit of history about the special folk art of Scandinavia. The Dalecarlian horse (Dalahäst), originally is a traditional carved (often with a mora (Swedish: Morakniv) knife), painted wooden figurine of a Dala Horse originating in the province (or län) of Dalarna County in central Sweden. So, what was this ornamental figurine for? In the past, it was mostly used as a toy for Swedish children, however, today it has become a symbol of the province as well as an iconic symbol and the Swedish gift idea!
The tradition of Dala Horse traces back to the 17th and 18th centuries. While working in the vast forests, laborers would spend some of their time in the workshop as carvers during the long dark Scandinavian winter evenings carving little wooden horses for their children to play with upon returning home to the village. Some years later, these unique little horses began to be sold at markets in Dalarna. This is how the little horse figurine from Dalarna became a treasured object in the heart of the locals. Today in Sweden, the center of production for authentic Dala Horses is found in the villages of Bergkarlås, Risa, Vattnäs, and Nusnä.
What Does The Color of the Dala Horse Represents?
The simple wooden horses were painted in bright patterns inspired by the flower patterns painted on furniture and walls in the area such as the popular art of Rosemaling. Throughout this period, making these wood horses became a cottage industry as an important source of income for poorer families, providing work for all. Even young children would contribute to the home business by learning to carve Swedish wooden horses and working together at home after returning from school.
It wasn’t until the 20th century that the Dala Horses entered the global scene. At the World’s Fair in New York 1939, Dala Horses were used to represent the country of Sweden in the Swedish Pavilion. After this, it was seen as a symbol of Sweden and mass production of the horses took off. Since then, Dala Horse ornaments have been popular Swedish souvenirs and inspired other similar products as well emblazoned on dish towels, bags, Swedish kitchen magnets, and more. If one is looking for a Swedish gift idea for sale in the USA, shop at ScandinavianGiftOutlet store to fill this need for a unique Dala Horse item!
One-Stop Location for Scandinavian-Themed Gifts
When it comes to gift-giving, there’s nothing quite like giving someone a unique and thoughtful gift that reflects their personality and personal interests. Choosing gifts from the countries of Northern Europe for your loved ones is a great way to show them how much you care, while also providing them with a unique and special gift.
Whether you’re looking for a thoughtful gift or something more modern and trending, browse a wide range of ethnic gifts available to choose from. Here are some of the best reasons why you should consider shopping for ethnic gifts for your loved ones.
- Cultural Appreciation: One of the greatest advantages of shopping for ethnic gifts for your loved ones is that it gives you the opportunity to show your appreciation for their culture. It’s a great way to show them that you understand, respect, and appreciate their culture, while also giving them a unique and thoughtful gift.
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- Searching for ethnic-themed gifts for your loved ones is a great way to show them how much you care, while also providing them with a unique and special gift. With the wide range of options available, you can be sure to find something special that will make your loved one’s day.
