GARDEN GNOMES’ ORIGINS
You may be walking on a peaceful and quiet neighbourhood, it is a lovely early evening and there are lots of scenic yards along the way. Then, you suddenly discover a peculiar small figure with a vivid red cap and hairy beard gazing out at you thru the shrubs. And you wonder what that is. Gnomes are the answer. You may have wondered when and why did gnomes gain popularity as additions to people's gardens? What is with the bearded figures? You may also have heard about so many stories of people having the garden gnomes stolen and even taking them on travels around the world? Let's start with the fundamental question; what is a gnome and what is a garden gnome?
Modern-day garden gnomes are founded on the fabled “Gnomes” of mysticism, myth, as well as fairy tales. Over the years, gnomes have been characterized as small stout beings, given that they are only a few inches to a foot or two in height, that live in the open nature--normally underground. Magicians from Europe and fellow mystics regarded gnomes as the most popular and significant essential spirits of one of the four classical elements, which is Earth (the other three are Water, Fire, and Air). Gnomes were claimed to put on conical hats. They also believed they could move through the earth as easily as humans walk through upon. However, anyone of these belowground residents were found in the daytime, which according to the myth, the sun rays turn them into stone
Occasionally gnomes were thought to have supernatural powers to guard or reprimand people – or even to give them happiness. Gnomes are additionally said to be keepers of mysterious underground treasures –, particularly gold! Even yet in contemporary times, gnomes are said to be included in the unknown procedures of plant life. In truth, numerous farms, including prize-winning vineyards stick to principles centred on these beliefs. More contemporary explanations of gnomes usually highlight their vibrant red-coloured pointed caps, good coloured clothes, and the extended white beard of the standard male. Although sightings of female gnomes are hardly ever documented, the female gnomes are commonly thought to not have a beard.
A Latin word ‘gnomes’ is believed to be the origin of the name ‘gnome’ that we all know now.. Prior to the Latin word, there is a possibility that a Greek word ‘gnosis’ that means knowledge, which refers to hidden treasure. However, it has more likelihood to be rooted in the word ‘genomes’ which means ‘Earth Dweller’ Gnomes go by different names in various parts of Europe. In Switzerland and France, gnomes are referred to as barbegazi. Then, in Prussia, they are called ‘kaukis’; in Ireland they are ‘leprechauns’ and ‘clurichauns’; in Findlan, they are ‘saunatonttu’; In Scandinavia, they are known as ‘nisse’ or ‘tomte’ and lastly, they are called ‘voettir’ by Iceland locals. Gnomes are frequently mistaken for dwarves, goblins and elves in the mythologies of Europe. Other parts of the world also possess traditions about quite similar beings. Nowadays gnomes continue to present in a multitude of literary works and other media - which range from Harry Potter to even getting used as the name of PC systems as well as aircraft engines.
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