Högtid

2025 marks the 700th anniversary of Åhls Socken. It is also the year when we, the Åhls Local Heritage Association, have created the Åhls Blanket, which we now call Högtid (Festivity).

We want to honor our parish and its history, which includes an impressive spirit of entrepreneurship. Partly, we want to highlight and remember this rich heritage, and partly, we want to mark the beginning of something entirely new. We have studied Åhls’ textile history and reviewed the traditional costume wardrobe together with experts from Tidstrands Wool Factory AB. The result is the Högtid blanket.

It has been—and remains—important for us to showcase the Åhls traditional costume and how it has changed over the years, changes that also reflect transformations in society.

The Högtid blanket features the same classic design as the ceremonial bodice of the Åhls costume, also known as the karminsliv. The fabric of the traditional garment—a striped, glazed wool fabric that was fashionable in the 18th century—was called kalmink. The new blanket, however, is made from the finest merino wool and measures 200 x 140 cm. It is also intended to be part of the costume and can be worn as a garment.

This project is incredibly close to our hearts. It is important both to preserve a valuable cultural heritage and to create something entirely new that can accompany us into the next 700 years of Åhls parish. And through this, people across the country—and abroad—will have the opportunity to connect with our history.

We in the association extend our warmest thanks to Tidstrands Wool Factory AB for all their help in making this project possible.

Åsa Danielsson, Åhls Local Heritage Association

• 100% Merino Wool
• Size: 200 × 140 cm
• Made in Italy