What You Need to Know About Gnomes

If you want to embellish your garden because guests are coming or perhaps you simply want everything to look nice and pretty, adding a few red-hatted gartenzwerg, or garden gnomes is your best option! They might just be statues, but they can surely give your landscape the magical vibes it deserves. 

There are a wide variety of gnomes available, and they come in different sizes, too. You can choose which one suits your garden type. You can put them beside your blooming flowers or on the patio. And if you feel being mischievous, hide it among the bushes. 

SEE MORE: Christmas gnomes

But before you decide to place some garden gnomes, let’s talk about a few interesting facts about them that you should be aware of.

Gnomes originated in Germany

Gnomes first appeared in 1800 in Germany, and they were also the first country to mass produce gnomes. They were made out of clay and were used as decorations for green spaces and private yards. In the 1840s, these gnomes started to appear in England. And from thereon, gnomes popularity boomed.

Check this article to know the demand and shortage for gnomes in the UK.

The wars stopped gnome production

The two world wars challenged the mass creation of gnomes and completely stopped their production. However, in the 1960s, plastic gnomes appeared in the market. But as expected, they weren’t welcomed with open arms, unlike clay gnomes. This then resulted in other countries like the Czech Republic and the USA making their own gnomes out of clay.

Gnomes are considered a symbol of luck and protection

Aside from aesthetic purposes, gnomes are believed to bring good luck. And this belief was passed down from generation to generation – obviously including ours, and the next ones after us.

The folklore also says that putting gnomes in your garden or barn would mean more produce and protection for your crops and livestock – may it be from pests or thieves. And surely, we all want that!

Gnomes were treasure guards

The mythical history of gnomes says that they were living underground and guarding treasures. In fact, they were depicted in German fairy tales as old men who protect wealth and riches.

Gnomes legends can also be found in other cultures bearing different names. In England, they were called hobs; in Denmark, they were nisse; and in Spain, a gnome is known as duende. But the myth remains similar worldwide.

Gnomes plant wildflowers

Another fascinating legend about gnomes is that these old men were responsible for planting wildflowers. You probably came across some flowers before and wondered how it was planted there. Now you know the answer!

Gnomes save animals from traps

Gnomes are described in many myths as protectors not only of humans and plants but of animals, too. They happily freed animals caught in traps, and they get rid of splinters in their paws. They carry knives for that reason. They are tiny, but they have big hearts for sure – ensuring that no creature is harmed! 

Now that you know these interesting facts about gnomes, hopefully, you see them in a different light when you put them in your garden or anywhere around the house. And don’t forget to share this information with your family and friends as we all could use good luck and protection.