Tick tock goes the clock

A clock with heart and soul

Once upon a time there was a little town Mora dating more than six thousand years of history. Because of its location between two beautiful lakes of Siljan and Orsasjon in the province of Darna in the heart of Sweden, Mora had faced long and turbulent past over the centuries but at least with happy end.

Fame through tears

Its turbulent history was not only caused by the king Gustav Vasa who stopped in Mora to organize a rebellion against Danish troops which occupied Sweden in XVI century but also due to witch hunt. 

It is sad but true that in XVII century to be a witch very often lead to dead end. Rumors began to spread throughout the country that witches seduced children to the devil. Around 70 witches were sentenced to death and executed. Mora witch trial became internationally the most famous Swedish trial of the century.

Simplicity in shape

To continue with the story, many people believe that Mora witch trial put a spell on a town which suffered from drought and famine for couple of in XVIII century. During this time many citizens abandoned their homes and fled to Stockholm or south part of the country to seek for a better life.  To make their living in new place called home, people of Mora acquired various craftsmen skills. After returning to Mora, they started up new industries producing among many knives, water taps, sewing machines, and clocks. A new period has begun for Mora town, a period of fame and prosperity.

A female like shape

The famous Mora clock tradition was initiated by a craftsman Krang Anders Andersson and lasted till XIXth century. The parts of the clock, namely pendulum, the movement, bells, weight were manufactured separately. The wooden cases were ordered by owners from carpenters and then all pieces were assembled into one. This would explain the reason why each clock is unique in shape, size and color.

One of a kind

Generally, Mora clocks were manufactured in various shapes but all based around the figure eight or rounded female form. Majority of Mora clocks presented either Rococo influence or Gustavian style and their color resembled aesthetics of current period. The idea was to paint clocks with light colors and embellish them with gold details as to brighten the rooms during the Swedish dark winters. In some regions of Sweden clocks were decorated with floral carvings or other decorative elements to indicate elegance.

  

Traditionally, Mora clocks were given as a present to the bride on her wedding day. These clocks also symbolize the lifespan by counting the days in the life of the house. Each Sunday morning, all family members gathered in front of the Mora clock to tick tock wealthy and healthy time for the following week.  

Mora clock - a heart of the house