Some of the most interesting pieces that can be found in gardens and front lawns of many houses are the garden gnome statues. Cute, funny and adorable, a lawn gnome is the envy of many, especially children. They have their own way of tickling your senses and beautifying your lawns.
Why are these statues such a hit with homeowners? What’s with these statues that make them the favorites of many? How did the hype in these statues start? Well, get to know them better from these important facts:
1. Garden gnomes are woodland creatures known for their gentleness and hard work. They wear pointy red hats and live for more than 400 years.
2. These small creatures are known to help with the household chores, particularly planting and sweeping. No wonder that most garden gnome statues are seen holding garden tools! However, most of the statues we see today depict them as sleeping or sitting.
3. Garden gnome statues are believed to be harbingers of good luck, especially when they are placed in lawns or insides the homes. This is also where the practice of placing them in the front lawn originated.
4. The first lawn gnome came about in the 1800s during the Victorian age. Germany was the first country to popularize these statues which were originally made from clay. Later on, variations of these famous statues came in different materials such as polyresin and plastic.
5. It was in 1960 that these statues were mass produced. However, during that time, statues were made of plastic and badly painted. They did not last.
6. In 1997, gnomes appeared in a hit movie which paved the way for some people to have interest over these little creatures. The fad caught on because four years after, in 2001, gnomes appeared in another movie.
7. In some parts of Europe, gnome kidnapping has transformed into a practical joke. An ad campaign for one website was even seen depicting a kidnapped statue sometime in 2003. Gnome followers even proposed for a bill penalizing the act as a crime.
8. Some people have caught up with the hype on gnomes. This lead to another passion, which is garden gnome collecting.
9. Garden gnome statues are not only ideal outdoors. They are also perfect for display indoors. Since they come in different designs, a cute figure will come as the perfect decor.
10. One place in North Devon, England has been transformed into a gnome reserve. Unbelievably, the park is home to more than 1,000 garden and lawn gnomes.
Garden gnomes have gone a long way from being just a mythical creature into an iconic symbol. They even have their own following, whether on the internet or in the real world. As garden gnome statues, they have evolved from a mere plastic ornament into clay, concrete or of poly resin material. They come in different sizes too and with different moods. Let’s face it. Gnomes are making a big comeback. In fact, they have already found their way into our homes and into our hearts.