Dalarna ( listen , English exonym: Dalecarlia), is a historical province or landskap in central Sweden. Another English language form established in literature is the Dales.
Dalarna adjoins Härjedalen, Hälsingland, Gästrikland, Västmanland and Värmland. It is also bounded by Norway in the west. Borders of the province mostly coincide with the modern administrative Dalarna County (län).
The word "Dalarna" means "the dales" (valleys). The area is a popular vacation destination for Swedes from the south, who often travel there to relax during summer vacations, drawn by good fishing lakes, beautiful campgrounds, and deep forests. Many such Swedes own or rent a second residence in Dalarna, where they are likely to have a vegetable garden and apple trees. In mid-June, summerfest celebrations and dances are held in many of the small villages and, of course, in the larger cities. Dalarna is a region full of historical associations, possessing strong local characteristics in respect of its products, and especially of its people. In the western district Lima, some people in villages speak a traditional dialect, Dalecarlian, while in Älvdalen, they speak a dialect closer to Norwegian, Elfdalian. Historically, the people of Dalecarlia – called Dalecarlians, or Dalesmen (dalkarlar="dale churls", masar) and Daleswomen (kullor) – are famous for their love of independence.
When I have my day
I come down from the hills
With light on my face
And death at my heels
My voice it bends
But my voice does not break
When I have my day
I enter the white gates
With chairs lined up straight
For all of God's children
They wonder the last knot
"Are your fingers long enough to play?"
When I have my day
My brothers learn courtly
With daggers in hand
Hatch plans to disrow me
But my brothers are precious
And the chaft must be burned away
When I have my day
The song that I sing
Carries back to the source
And back through them and [me]
Did you know others
Your voice, your king