The Traditional Swedish Dala Horse: A Look at It’s Distinctive Features -Dalaart

A Dalecarlian horse, also known as a Dala horse (Swedish: Dalahäst), is a typical carved and decorated wooden statue from Dalarna (Dalecarlia) in Sweden. Originally used as a toy for youngsters, the Dalecarlian horse has since become a symbol of Dalarna and Sweden.

There are various types of Dalecarlian horses, each with characteristics peculiar to the place where they were created. However, one style has become significantly more common and widespread than others. It’s robustly carved and vividly painted red, with ornaments in white, green, yellow, and blue, as well as a harness. 

When getting a traditional wooden Swedish Dala horse, whether it is for gifting or just for decorating, it can be one of the most fabulous choices. 

Over the years, the Dala Horse has served numerous purposes:

• It was worshipped as sacred by pagan cults and regarded as a noble partner by Medieval knights.
• It served as a considerable ambassador on the world stage.
• It has inspired generations of artists to create artwork.

In the 1980s, there was a folk art renaissance, and artists rediscovered the old patterns, repurposing them in fabrics and carving wooden horses.

Many people are unaware of the Dalahäst’s tumultuous past and would be startled to learn that it was previously regarded as a devil’s toy and used as a justification by the bishop of Vasteras to condemn pagans. The Dala Horse now serves a significantly different purpose and has been incorporated into current meanings and rituals.

The History of the Dala Horse

The horse has been depicted for thousands of years. The horse’s enchantment and mystique motivated people to depict it in cave and rock paintings. Horses were prized and became a symbol of strength and bravery. They arrived in Sweden 4000 years ago and were domesticated in the same period.

In the 17th century, miniature wooden horses were sold at fairs in Dalarna, Sweden’s central area. A century later, men working in the forests for long winter hours crafted wooden horses, which were then brought back to the settlement for the children to play with. This is how a traditional wooden Swedish Dala horse became a prized possession.

These simple wooden horses were eventually painted in vivid colours to match the flower designs found on furniture and walls across the region. During that time, travelling merchants selling traditional household items would also bring Dalahastar to use as payment for board and lodging.

They also become a significant source of revenue for low-income families. After going home from school, even small children had to learn to carve wooden horses. In 1928, the children of one such household launched a small business at the ages of 13 and 15. 

Their children and grandchildren continue to produce Dala horses in a small community called Nusnas in Dalarna. Their Dalahast has now become an official Swedish symbol and one of the most popular gifting options.

Dala Horses are a good luck charm.

Dala Horses are the perfect Swedish gift. Recently, Dala Horses have been in style for many when it comes to gift giving because these Dala horses have a reputation for being lucky charms. 

Good luck and success symbols have been around for a long time. Many people think that Dala Horses are lucky charms who exchange lucky gifts. People instinctively think and project their spiritual energy and thoughts into the talisman or amulet; they carry and use good luck charms for success. 

These traditional wooden Swedish Dala horses come in a variety of shapes and materials. The bearer’s ideas eventually matter because the person’s worldwide energies feed into and activate these success charms. 

In a Nutshell,

Traditional wooden Swedish Dala horses, originally designed as toys for children, have become a popular Swedish souvenir. These wooden horses, painted in vivid hues and with multicoloured harnesses, represent the customs and culture of the Dalarna region of Sweden. 

They are made and decorated differently in each community, and with advancements in traditional techniques, you can now personalize your Dala horse with your name or the recipient’s name.

Giving a unique and considerate gift reflects a person’s personality and interests. Northern European countries offer a variety of ethnic gifts, including Dala horses, to express affection and provide something unique and memorable. 

Dalaart offers a wide range of traditional wooden Dala horses and other Dala carvings of animals, catering to various price ranges. You can choose from unique patterns for Christmas or Easter or those made from various types of wood, such as juniper and scented wood.