dalahäst – The Oaxacaborn Blog

Ah, dalahästar (that’s the plural of dalahäst…I think). I love them. Is it cliche? I don’t even care! : )

Giant OUtdoor Dala
Dala horses in the snow (perhaps at Skansen Park?) via Hasenohr on Flickr

Cross Stitch Dala via Kitschn Stitchin

Dala Horse Print via Red Stuga on Etsy (based in Minneapolis; where else?!)

SONY DSC
“How Swede It Is” Dala Horse and Kanelbullar Magnets via Red Stuga

paper mache dala horses
Papier Mâché Dala Horses via Posh Chicago

Henning Trollbäck’s Dala Horse Poster via Fine Little Day

Dala Zoo (Giraffe and Moose) via Hildas Hem

Chalk Dala
Chalk Drawing of Dala Horse via Dirtsas Studio on Etsy

Dalahäst-tillverkning (Dala Horse Manufacturer/Factory) Sign Liz Highleyman on Flickr

Copper_Dala_Horse
Copper Dala Horse via Fischer Fine Arts on Etsy

A Dala horse vignette in my home.

Want to decorate a Dala horse — or maybe introduce your kids to this creature? Here’s a great FREE printable Dala horse template from Make Learning Fun! You might also be interested in this video of how Dala horses are made, or last year’s Dala horse round-up.

God Jul!

Carved wooden horses have been a part of Swedish culture since the 1600s. The distinct shape as we know it today was introduced in the 1700s, and the iconic paint pattern came along in the 1800s. Dala horses were even sometimes used as payment! But it wasn’t until 1939, when a Swedish architect created a huge Dala horse for the World’s Fair in New York, that the popularity of the dalahäst really took off.

[If video player does not appear, click here to view.]

Oh, I know they aren’t a traditional Christmas decoration. But they’re traditionally Swedish, and just happen to be come in very Christmasy colors. So why not? There are no rules about how you can decorate for Christmas — make the season your own, and let the decor reflect your own personality, style and heritage.

Want to contribute to the 3rd Annual Scandinavian/Nordic Christmas Series? Click here to find out how!