{"product_id":"2026-icons-of-scandinavia-holiday-ornament-dala-horse","title":"2026 Icons of Scandinavia Holiday Ornament – Dala Horse","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Dala Horse has been around Scandinavia for centuries.  It originated in the provence of Dalarna in Sweden according to many legends.  The Dalarna region of Sweden was the center for furniture making starting in the late 1600's.  The forest around Dalarna produced a specific variety of pine that is ideal for furniture making.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt is easy to see why the Dala Horses got their start in Dalarna.  They were carved out of the scraps from furniture making.  To cover any imperfections these early carvers would use paint to cover up the blemishes and create a bright colorful surface certain to capture a child's imagination.  Many stories talk about the original Dala Horses being made as toys for children and the variety of the painting made them playful and fun.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs time moved on the simple Dala Horse Toys became more of a folk art piece.  As different families started to decorate them they would \"sign\" their work by developing a specific pattern and color.  Today it is still possible for a collector to identify the painter for a horse.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Dala Horse moved from child's toy to highly prized piece of folk art over the years.  They became a symbol of strength and dependability.  It was not until after World War II that the Dala Horse got its touch of fame and moved forward as a symbol of Scandinavia.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn 1939 a two story Dala Horse greeted guests at the Scandinavian Pavilion.  From that day on the Dala Horse had made a full journey from simple child's toy, to folk craft item, to international symbol and souvenir.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSince its early days the Dala Horse has found its way into literature through such books as \u003cem\u003ePer and the Dala Horse\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eA Christmas Wish for Little Dala Horse\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eDala Hastar\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eAnna and the Dala Horse\u003c\/em\u003e to name a few.  In 2003 a Dala Horse was the central character of the Norwegian Film, \"Kitchen Stories.\"  The \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDala Horse has become a real icon in both the folk world and as a symbol for Scandinavia.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTraditonal Scandinavian blue silkscreen design on a 2.75 inches white porcelain disk.  Gift boxed with history.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Norse Traditions","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44161254916170,"sku":"SIO2026\/Dala","price":29.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0289\/4712\/0202\/files\/2026_Nordic_Icons_Ad_Image_Front_Red_KO__56486.webp?v=1789736547","url":"https:\/\/store.vesterheim.org\/products\/2026-icons-of-scandinavia-holiday-ornament-dala-horse","provider":"Vesterheim Museum Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}