The Dala Horse: Sweden’s Beloved National Symbol
Discover the story behind Sweden’s famous Dala Horse — a symbol of strength, happiness, and home. Learn how this handcrafted icon became a beloved part of Swedish culture and Swede Love’s inspiration.
If you’ve ever wandered through a Swedish home or Christmas market, you’ve probably seen it — a bright red wooden horse, hand-painted with flowing white, green, and blue patterns. The Dala Horse (Dalahäst) is one of Sweden’s most recognizable symbols, and like so many Swedish traditions, its story is rooted in craftsmanship, family, and love.
A Little Carving with a Big Heart
The Dala Horse comes from the Dalarna region in central Sweden, where long winters and deep forests inspired villagers to carve toys from scraps of pine. These wooden horses were originally made as gifts for children — simple, joyful reminders of the sturdy workhorses that helped families survive the cold months.
Over time, the carvers began decorating the horses with intricate folk patterns, using bold colors and curved brushstrokes known as kurbits. Each horse was unique, painted by hand and infused with the personality of its maker. What started as a humble toy soon became a beloved national symbol — representing Swedish pride, creativity, and the warmth of home.
A Symbol of Strength, Happiness, and Home
The Dala Horse stands for much more than tradition. It represents strength (steady as the horse itself), joy (seen in its bright colors), and community (since the carving and painting were shared crafts).
In Swedish culture, gifting a Dala Horse is like saying, “May your home be filled with love and good fortune.” It’s often given at weddings, housewarmings, or births — a timeless wish for happiness and stability.
The Swede Love Connection
At Swede Love, the Dala Horse reminds us that beauty can come from simplicity and care. Like the hearts in our designs, it’s a symbol of love and legacy — something created by hand, meant to last, and full of meaning.
When you see a Dala Horse, you’re seeing more than a keepsake. You’re seeing Sweden’s story — and a little piece of the Swede Love spirit.
The next time you spot that cheerful red horse, remember what it carries: a bit of strength, a splash of joy, and a whole lot of heart. 💙
And if you want to wear your dala horse, check out this cozy sweatshirt.
The Heart of Swede Love: Why the Heart Means So Much in Swedish Culture
Learn why the heart is the center of Swede Love. The Swedish heart symbol (hjärta) appears everywhere — from folk art to home design — representing warmth, friendship, and family connection.
At Swede Love, the heart is more than just our logo — it’s our symbol for love, connection, and the simple joy of being together. But in Sweden, the heart (hjärta) has a special meaning that runs deep through generations, art, and everyday life.
Walk into any Swedish home and you’ll spot a heart somewhere — carved in wood, stitched into linens, or hanging from a window at Christmas. In traditional Swedish folk art, the heart represents kärlek (love) and hemma (home). It’s a symbol of warmth and welcome — a reminder that love and kindness are part of daily life, not just special occasions.
The heart’s shape is also found in Swedish straw ornaments, embroidery, and the red-painted wooden decor that fills cozy Nordic cottages. You’ll often see woven paper hearts (flätade hjärtan) hanging on Christmas trees — a craft that’s both beautiful and symbolic of connection.
If you’re curious how this tradition shows up in our designs, you’ll find it woven into a few of our coziest sweatshirts — simple, heartfelt pieces inspired by Swedish folk art and everyday life.
Family Traditions — The Little Things That Hold Us Together
Every family has its own quirky traditions — those small, sweet rituals that make you feel connected and loved. Ours might look simple from the outside, but they’re the moments that have shaped who we are.
Every family has its own quirky traditions — those small, sweet rituals that make you feel connected and loved. Ours might look simple from the outside, but they’re the moments that have shaped who we are.
Growing up, my mom and her three sisters had a race to spot the first water tower whenever they were driving somewhere together in Wisconsin. Whoever saw it first had to spell “w-a-t-e-r t-o-w-e-r” and whistle three times. When it came time to say goodbye, they’d play last touch—pretending to get teary-eyed before tagging a sister and running away. The game would start again the next time at least two of them were together.
When I was a kid, we had our own version of Santa Lucia. In our family, the oldest unmarried daughter had to make breakfast for everyone on Christmas morning. With five girl cousins, that tradition lasted a while — and since I was the last to get married, it was my job for a long time. (Don’t tell anyone, but I secretly loved it.)
We also have a little family code when we hold hands. Two gentle squeezes mean “love me?” and the person on the end squeezes back hard to say “Yes.” Then comes the question — “How much?” — answered with one more big squeeze to show just how much love there really is.
And every Thanksgiving, without fail, we watch Elf while snacking on homemade Chex Party Mix — with double the butter and extra seasoning, of course.
These little, silly, wonderful traditions may seem small, but they’re the glue that holds a family together. They’re how we stay connected, no matter where life takes us.
What are your family traditions? Share yours below or tag us on Instagram @SwedeLoveShop — we’d love to hear them!