Garden Decorating Facts: Garden Gnomes Origin

There are home gardens which are well-decorated and maintained. Most of the time, these gardens have ornamental and whimsical items. Some include lanterns, fountains and rock formations. Garden gnomes are very common in a lot of home gardens today. We oftentimes see a set of garden gnome; however, what is the real story behind these decorative items? Why do home owners begin setting out these tiny statues with beards and adorable pointy red hats? If you want to know about garden gnomes origin, keep reading!

There are different types of lawn gnomes. They can be seen in different and comical positions. These garden decors are made from various mediums. Basically, garden gnomes are those statues that you see in gardens. These are usually pint-sized and chubby human-like creatures with blue pants and red hats. These gnomes are found in different poses and pursuing various hobbies like napping fishing or smoking a tobacco pipe. People are so fond of having gnomes in their gardens. They add character and fun with their funny beards and expressions. The most common raw materials that they use are terracotta (runny clay), wood, porcelain and ceramic

Garden statuary has been widespread since the Renaissance period across various European countries. On the other hand, it takes longer for Americans to catch up with the garden gnome craze. Oftentimes, the figures depicted are gods, mythical creatures and saints. The lawn gnomes we know today have appeared in Germany in the late 1800s. Most of the locals made use of the local myths that there are underground gnomes which came alive during the night to protect the garden from evil magic. From the Germans, the garden gnome craze reached France and England. Eventually, these mystical statues have appeared in gardens across North America.

It was Sir Charles Isham who first introduced garden gnomes in United Kingdom after he trip to Germany. He brought along with him 21 terracotta figurines which he has displayed in his lawn in the year 1847. Since then, these adorable gnomes have been the subject of interest of various collectors, hobbyists and gardeners alike.

It was believed that male gnomes usually wear red cap, blue or green pants and with boots made from various materials including felt, wood and birch. These gnomes have a belt on their waist with a tool kit including hammer and knife. These gnomes have fair face and rosy cheeks. Their long beards turn gray and adorn their faces very well. For female gnomes, they often wear khaki clothing with ankle length skirt. She is also wearing slippers or high shoes with gray knee-length socks.

The history and origin of garden gnomes are really interesting, unique and long. These garden ornaments will continue to have significance across cultures and will definitely continue to live in various gardens and lawns for years to come. The love for gnomes has been inculcated in modern day culture. This ushered the existence of International Gnome Day in 2002. This is celebrated by several countries around the world every June 21st.

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