Whether he’s standing guard at the bottom of his tree trunk home or fishing in your pond by day, he’s probably also keeping a watchful eye over your home at night. Garden gnome statues are originally of German descent but have traveled far and wide making their homes in gardens across the world.
Regardless of where they live and whether they’re male or female, all garden gnomes have one thing in common: they sport a distinctive long, pointy red hat. While most male garden gnomes have a beard as well, females generally have long hair. Although we’re not sure why they trend in red headwear, we do know that these enchanting little people have kept this trend going for centuries.
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Gnome Symbolism
These mischievous mythical characters have been around since the early 1800s in their homeland, although many other European countries had their own versions of garden gnome statues. Denmark and Norway have Nisse and in Spain, they’re called Duende.
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According to folklore, they were supposed to help around the garden, house, and keep an eye on garden produce, animals, livestock, and crops in rural areas where they lived in the rafters of barns. Farmers believed that these whimsical characters with some magical abilities could help their fields yield more produce, protect them from pests and keep thieves away. At night, they were also thought to be helpful gardeners (something we could all benefit from). In German fairy tales, these earth dwellers were often described as old men who guarded buried treasure and minerals in the ground.
Although few people believe in the actual existence of gnomes, garden gnome statues have kept a solid reputation for bringing good luck and serving as good luck charms. They are also thought to bring protection.
The Evolution of the Garden Gnome
Originally, garden gnome statues were made of clay by skilled craftsmen. The world wars destroyed most garden gnome production in Germany but they retained their popularity with mass production taking off in the 1960s. This time around, however, they were the plastic and plaster designs we know today. There are still some companies that manufacture clay and resin garden gnome statues that are hand-painted and offer a little more intricacy in their craftsmanship.
As humans have evolved over the decades, gnomes seem to have evolved with them as they now no longer only come in traditional poses but also drink beer, ski, cycle, and some with big attitudes can even be found mooning onlookers in your garden. There really is a gnome to match every type of gardener from the Superbowl fanatic to the hippie.
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Modern plastic and resin garden gnome statues don’t only come in a range of colors, sizes, and designs but they’re weather resistant and some are functional too (other than bringing good luck and protection). Integrated solar lights can transform your gnome into a garden lamp and some are designed carrying or sitting on a pot to make cute planters.
Aesthetic gardening purists don’t get along well with garden gnomes claiming that they take away from the classic garden design. They are so serious about their stance that gnomes were banned from the UK Chelsea Flower Show for 19 years. Gnomophiles (gnome enthusiasts) managed to have the ban lifted in 2013.
Reclaim Your Luck
We could all use a little extra luck and even if your garden gnome statue fails to bring an influx of lucky streaks, he does make a great host for welcoming visitors to your home. There are no rules when it comes to placing your gnome, plus he might just like moving around in the night. If your garden is a little big for a single gnome to watch over, you may want to get him some company and even a female companion.
Just one word of caution, if you have an open front lawn that is easily accessible to passers-by, don’t be surprised if your gnome disappears for a while. He will return with a bunch of snapshots of where he has traveled to while he was away. Kidnapping and traveling with gnomes before (sometimes) returning them really is a thing.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Garden news
