The History of Lawn Ornaments
Through the ages, humans have used lawn ornaments not only as decoration, but also for specific purposes. Some were considered status symbols, while others played a role in history. As an example, the Underground Railroad, which helped slaves in the pre-Civil War South escape to freedom in the North, used lawn ornaments to signal which houses were safe stops. Pink flamingos, lawn jockeys and garden gnomes are among some of the lawn ornaments that have stood the test of time. Does this Spark an idea?
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Pink Flamingo
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When pink flamingos were first manufactured as lawn ornaments in the late 1940s and early 50s, they were two-dimensional. They were considered status symbols that proved you were wealthy enough to vacation to Florida, a travel hot spot since the 1920s. In 1953, foam flamingos replaced the earlier versions but quickly lost favor, as dogs would chew them. Plastic pink flamingos emerged in 1957. They were extremely popular until the 1970s, then surged again in 1985, when 450,000 pink flamingos were purchased in the United States. Today, different styles of the pink flamingo are available and just as popular.
Garden Gnomes
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In mythical legend, gnomes are wee folk who help humans and bring good luck. Potters in Germany fashioned the first garden gnomes out of ceramic in the 1800s. Passed down as family heirlooms, the gnomes became even more popular during the 1930s and 1940s. Often wearing pointed red hats and wearing a tunic, garden gnomes sometimes hold a wheelbarrow or shovel. Today, the garden gnome, now usually made of plastic, is a pop culture icon that appears in movies and television commercials.
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Lawn Jockey
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Legend has it that the first lawn jockey was commissioned at the request of President George Washington, but its true origins can't be confirmed. Two types of lawn jockeys have been displayed in gardens through the years, some holding rings or lanterns in their hands as they gesture for a horse. The cavalier jockey is a statue of a gentleman wearing riding clothes. The jocko style, considered racist, often were depicted as African-American caricatures. However, these types of lawn jockeys were used to identify safe houses in the days of the Underground Railroad.
Bathtub Shrines
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The Bathtub Madonna is a statue of the Virgin Mary sitting in a grotto made from a partially buried bathtub. Flowerbeds, stonework, small animals and plants surround the shrine to depict the Virgin Mary's affinity for God's creatures. Catholics have used shrines in their yards for many years, and the practice dates back to European cultures who often had outdoor shrines to various saints.
Gazing Balls
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Gazing balls can be traced to the 13th century, and perhaps even earlier. They were made by skilled glassblowers, and the technique is still used today. In lore, gazing balls were said to bring good luck, prosperity and happiness to a home. They also were thought to ward off evil spirits and illness. Placed strategically at a home's entrance, gazing balls were said to prevent witches from entering because they couldn't bear to see their reflection in the ball. Gazing balls placed in the yards of mansions allowed occupants to see who was knocking on the door before opening it.
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