The dala horse is such an important part of Swedish heritage that it has become an international symbol of Sweden and a very popular tourist souvenir. Naturally it is also a part of Christmas traditions. Dala horses are everywhere!
While there remain a few differing theories, Swedes generally recognize these carved wooden horses originating as a gift woodcutters would give to their children when they returned home. Vikings considered the horse to be a holy animal. It’s fun to see how this same reverence of the animal has been demonstrated through the centuries.
I found a free download of Scandinavian images designed to be tree ornaments or a garland. I did neither. Instead I glued the dala horse to a tp roll and let my toddler play. (I did the same with a julbok. More on that later.)
He loved it! I especially loved that it was a cheap and easy and quick craft. We stayed in our theme and had a lot of fun.
