‘Dala’ is my interpretation of a Dala Horse or Dalecarlian Horse. A Dala Horse (Dalahästº) is a traditional carved, painted wooden statue of a horse originating in the Swedish province of Dalarna. In the old days, the Dalecarlian horse was mostly used as a toy for children; in modern times it has become a symbol of Dalarna, as well as of Sweden in general. The Dalecarlian horse became the national toy in 1716. According to legend, soldiers loyal to King Charles XII were quartered in the Dalecarlian region and carved the toys as gifts for their hosts. Dala Horses are popular symbols for good luck. In the background of the horse is a Buddha Cat Mandala, my own personal good luck charm. These two powerful symbols combined represent the gifts, blessings and good fortune that a child brings.