History of garden gnomes
Garden gnomes originated as a decoration for wealthy Europeans. However, their popularity in gardens and lawns have spread throughout the western world, among different social classes.
Garden gnomes are basically lawn ornaments figurines of small humanoid creatures. Traditionally, they mostly depict male dwarfs wearing red pointy hats.
Gnomes typically stand between one and two feet. Recently, miniature gnomes of only a few inches in height have been introduced.
These statues you come across with resembling a human being are normally used for decoration. They are found in a variety of poses.
Although garden gnomes are typically male with beards, you will occasionally come across female garden gnome or girl garden gnomes these days. They are considered good luck symbols when placed in a home compound or garden.
So, how did it all began? The history of garden gnomes dates back in the 16th century during the times of Renaissance. The tradition of putting a gnome in the garden stated a while ago.
The traditional garden gnomes were mostly made holding garden tools such as rakes or shovels to help with chores such as sweeping and planting.
The current gnomes made of plastic or plaster materials you see today are far different from the original garden gnomes. Most of them today depict sleeping, reading or just relaxing.
The first garden gnomes were produced in Germany back in the early 1800s. These ones were made using clay. After their first appearance in gardens in England back in 1840, their popularity continued to increase and so far, there are a number of garden gnomes for sale.
The big names involved in the manufacturing of these gnomes include Philip Griebel and August Heissner. Actually, Heissner became a popular household name when it came to the gnome facts.
The production of most garden gnomes in Germany was later affected by world wars. Nevertheless, the plastic gnomes you see today started to be manufactured at the beginning of 1960.
These gnomes could still be afforded by few due to their prices but as time went by, companies in the Czech Republic and Poland started making cheaper imitations of the German products.
Of course, this came in handy due to its pocket-friendly budget. However, this made them lose respect for some time but they have made a comeback.
There are a few manufacturers who are still manufacturing clay and resin gnomes and finishing them by hand. Thus making them different from the processed ones. Therefore, it is possible to get unique garden gnomes in the market.
Gnomes history may shed more light on why you would want one in your garden. For instance, gnomes were originally thought to provide protection to the buried treasure and minerals in the ground. Interestingly, they are still used today to watch over the livestock or crops in the garden.
Generally, placing of garden gnomes in the garden brings that connection to the old world since farmers believed in good luck charm to help their farms to produce more and protect them from pests among other problems.
Garden gnome history goes back to the mythical history where they were thought to live underground. That is the major reason they were so major in most German fairy tales where they were described as old men who guarded treasures.
Basically, the garden gnomes produced throughout the world have more or less the same look. They usually come with a long, white beard, a red hat, and simple clothes. In the few cases of female gnomes, they come with the same hat and a simple dress but they look more like witches.
Gone are the days when getting a variety of gnomes was a challenge. It is now possible to get them in different sizes, consumes and configurations.
There are gnomes built-in solar lighting, while others taking baths or mooning onlookers. More so, you can actually opt for funny garden gnomes…