On November 12, 2021, the Austrian Post issued a rocking horse Christmas stamp.
For the second time this year, artists have chosen this children's toy as a symbol of Christmas. On the Austrian stamp, the engraver Kirsten Lubach depicted a simple vintage rocking horse, as well as a gift and a Christmas tree ball.
It is believed that such toys appeared in the 17th century on the territory of the British colonies in North America and from there they got to Europe. Although there are sources indicating that such a toy could have existed as far back as the Middle Ages or even ancient Greece.
Rocking horses gained extraordinary popularity in the 19th century, first in England, and then throughout Europe, especially in Austria and Germany. Initially, rocking horses were made to order by woodcarvers for the children of the aristocracy. The toys were detailed, had leather saddles and harnesses, often richly decorated, and the tail and mane were made of natural horsehair. Many museums keep old rocking horses, which are real works of art.
By the end of the 19th century, rocking horses ceased to be a piece product, they began to be mass-produced in various workshops. The rocking horse began its triumphant march across Europe, winning universal love among both children and adults. The rocking horse has become an invariable attribute of the children's room. However, high-quality toys were still quite expensive and only wealthy families could afford them. For many children, the rocking horse was a pipe dream, a cherished Christmas present. Often these toys passed from generation to generation, turning into family heirlooms. Rocking horses are still a wonderful toy for children today. They promote the development of motor skills and train the sense of balance. Modern toys are usually made of plastic, often trimmed with fur, but rocking horses made of wood are still in demand.
So it's no surprise that the rocking horse often appears on Christmas cards or postage stamps. After all, this is a toy with a rich history. And even if a real children's toy is not in your home, a rocking horse may well be there at Christmas in the form of a decorative ornament, a Christmas tree toy or a gingerbread.
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