While wandering around a Swedish Christmas market, you'll likely come across booths (sell) carved wooden horses, typically in an assortment of bright colors and floral patterns. These (tradition) Swedish toys are much more than a classic holiday gift or travel souvenir: the Dala horse has become intertwined (交织) with the very image of Sweden .
The little wooden horses of Sweden were originally carved by men that worked in the forests during winter. When they returned to their villages, they gave the horses to children as playthings. This was in the 17th century during the horses were also sold at market in small towns and villages in the Dalarna region, in central Sweden. The horses were painted in bright colors that were inspired by the furniture in the region. (eventual) , even young children learned to carve wooden horses.
The global attention didn't come until the 20 th century in the World's Fair in New York 1939. That was because an enormous painted Dala horse was placed outside the Swedish pavilion, which caused excitement throughout the crowds of (visit) . After this, the Dala horses were seen a symbol of Sweden and mass production of the horses started. Since then, Dala horses (be) popular souvenirs and inspired other products as well. You can now find anything from clothing to tableware and phone cases with a Dala horse (decorate) .
