Everyone dreams of lying in a hammock swaying in a warm tropical breeze
while being fanned with palm branches. There is a reason for this picture in
our minds. Tropical regions and hammocks go hand and hand. The hammock began
in Central America, and the tropical regions, thus explaining our
association with hammocks and the tropics.
The Mayan Indians first used hammocks approximately 1,000 years ago in
Central America. Did you ever wonder about the origin of word hammock?
Mayans wove their hammocks from the bark of the hamak tree, thus hammock was
eventually born. Later the due to its abundance, sisal plant eventually
replaced hamak bark as the preferred material. Through a sophisticated
network of trade, the hammock found its way to other indigenous peoples.
These peoples developed their own methods of weaving hammocks using
materials available to them. They would use cloth or items native to their
area. It wasn’t until about 50 or 60 years ago that cotton became the
preferred material for making hammocks.
Until the time of Christopher Columbus, hammocks were only available in
Central America and nearby islands, including the Bahamas. Christopher
Columbus not only discovered the New World, he also discovered the hammock.
He brought the hammocks that he had witnessed the natives lounging in back
to Europe, and history was made.
Hammocks have found their way into some pretty strange places, such as
British navy boats and prisons. Remarkably they didn’t find their way into
North America until the 1880’s. Although they were slowing in reaching our
area their popularity is certain with 500,000 to 2,000,000 hammocks sold in
North America every year. Today, hammocks are available in different colors
and styles.
The hammocks of today are not far from their long lost cousins. The basic
mechanics is still the same, although innovations have been made. Hammocks
are available as a solid piece of canvas, quilted fabric or rope. There are
hammocks built for two and hammocks that are made to be chairs. Hammocks are
even available for those that don’t have a tree or space to hang their
hammock. Styles of hammocks vary based on their origin as well. The Mayan
hammocks of today are woven from brightly colored fabrics and are oversized
to comfortably accommodate two people. Conversely, the Brazilian hammocks
are available in a heavy fabric similar to canvas in solid or bold colors,
but are decorated at the bottom with fringe often elaborate in nature.
Nicaraguan hammocks have subdued colors are spun from soft cotton cords and
have detailed macramé edging.
There are many choices so pick the hammock that fits you. There are styles
available to fit into any backyard décor. Installation is nothing to be
concerned about; all that you will need at least 13’ between your two
hanging points. If your hanging points are further apart, you will need rope
or chain to extend to your hanging points. It is recommended that you hand
both hanging points be the same distance. Please keep in mind that it is not
advisable to hang your hammock beyond an 18’ distance. Of course for
detailed instructions you should refer to your hammocks installation
information to ensure proper your safety.
Not that you know the basic requirements to install your hammock, it’s
time to pick the best hammock for you. Remember, you don’t have to have
trees in your yard to have a hammock. Hammocks are now available with a
variety of stands from the simple metal stand to beautiful wood stands.
Choose your style, colors, and hanging method and purchase a hammock for
your yard.
If you were willing to think outside the box, a beautiful hammock on a wood
stand would make a tranquil addition to any sunroom. Don’t be afraid to make
your space your own. |
