Horses in Nordic traditions and fairs

To experience a journey back in time in the midst of everyday life!
I met these wonderful horses along the road today, and wanted to share it with other horselovers. It was a joy to se how well the horses behaved, and how well they were cared for.
Here is the story; #carriagehorse
Marsimartnan holds a significant place as one of the oldest and most important markets in Norway, with its origins dating back to the Viking Age. The name is associated with the Mattismesse (24th of February) and was traditionally held the week after St. Matthias' Day. Marsimartnan has always been coordinated with the St. Gregorimarkedet on Frösön in Jämtland since medieval times.
At Marsimartnan, mountain farmers from Jämtland and Trøndelag, coastal fishermen from Fosen, people from the villages around the Trondheimsfjord, and South Sami would gather. However, the core of the Levanger market was the trade with Jämtland, known as the Jämtehandelen. The trade between Jämtland and Trøndelag is believed to be as old as the settlement in Jämtland itself. The Jämtlanders had a need for salt and ocean fish, with salt being a crucial preservative. The markets in Levanger and Frösön (Gregoriemarknaden) likely emerged as a result of this trade between Jämtland and Trøndelag. It probably didn't happen entirely on its own; some form of organization likely underpinned the establishment of regular market times. The sagas tell us that King Håkon the Good, and later Norwegian kings, established peace and trade with the Jämtlanders, but it's also possible that local chieftains instituted the markets. Frösömarknaden was held concurrently with Jamtamot, the ancient assembly in Jämtland. Levanger didn't have an assembly site, but its location was advantageous. It lay at the end of the best road to Jämtland and had a sheltered and ice-free harbor.
A royal privilege from 1682 describes: "Levanger Market shall remain as it has been since the days of Arild, due to the incoming Jämtlanders bringing with them goods for ironworks and other purposes suitable for Nordland's use."
Around the year 1750, more than 1,500 Swedish merchants with horses attended the market, trading with fishermen, farmers, and other merchants.
#carriagehorse
#harness
#horsecart
#realanimals
#marsimartnan
#norwegian

[@vintagelady1]

What a fine thing to honor & keep traditions like this! those horses are beautiful with their luxurious manes & tails, for keeping warm in winter and free from flies in summer!

[@ruthhamilton4882]

I love this kind of content. My great grandmother was born in Norway 1872 and came to USA in1904. I like to see what her life may have looked like before the move.

[@Horsewise01]

Thank you ❤️ Do you know where in Norway your great grandmother was born?

[@ruthhamilton4882]

What i can find is she was born at Taagetorp, Rodenes, Ostfold. The family had lived in that area for 500 yrs, then i can find nothing more. Perhaps any records were destroyed somehow. Even though she died 40 yrs before i was born, i feel such a connection. I had a friend who gave me a nice Fjord mare in the early 90s, and I hope to have another.

[@Horsewise01]

@@ruthhamilton4882 Thank you for sharing

[@maryward3060]

So awesome, they look like they take very good care of their horses

[@Horsewise01]

I agree! They certainly do take very well care of their horses 🥰

[@anetteolnhoff6808]

So it should be always and everywere. Take good care of your animals.👍🫶

[@elinehart5374]

Wow🤩🌟

[@elkepankoke]

I would have liked to continue watching, but had to turn off the sound because of the unbearably loud music.

[@Horsewise01]

Oh, I’m sorry about that! Thank you for mentioning it, I’ll adjust music in later videos ☺️🙏🏻

[@nadinehulbig5582]

❤