The hammocks market is poised to grow by USD 470.76 million over the next four-year period from 2020 to 2024. While the popularity of hammocks has increased over recent years, it was the pandemic that really set their demand into overdrive.
What you may not realize is that the history of hammocks is not a recent one. In fact, hammocks are about 1,000 years old. They originated out of necessity. In recent years they have developed into a tool of leisure and recreation.
Check out the history of hammocks and learn about the different types available today.
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History of Hammocks
The Taino people crafted and developed the first hammocks. The word hammock is the Arawakan word for “fishnet”, which makes sense considering the open net-like weave of traditional hammocks. The Taino people are from Central America.
Hammocks trace back about 1,000 years to the Mayan people. These original hammocks were more about safety and protection than leisure. Sleeping in hammocks protected people from dangerous creatures.
In the 16th century, English and Spanish sailors embraced the hammock. These suspended beds were then used throughout the Civil War, WWI, WWII, and the Vietnam War.
America embraced the hammock in the 19th century. Prisons used hammocks to save space and farmers used them as an affordable sleeping solution. Meanwhile wealthier families embraced the hammock as a place of leisure.
Modern times have seen the development and innovation of the hammock. There are luxurious hammocks designed for multiple people. There are also lightweight hammocks that are perfect for hiking and camping.
Types of Hammocks
Hammocks get categorized by the type of construction and material. Rope hammocks have a woven construction that used thick rope that gets knotted to create an expandable yet supportive weave. Quilted hammocks use two layers of fabric with batting sandwiched in between.
Similar to quilted hammocks, fabric hammocks have a solid piece of fabric used for the construction. They are different because they are a single layer and lack batting.
Traditional Mexican hammocks are the original type of hammock. They are handcrafted by artisans in Mexico. The open weave wraps around you to cradle you.
Camping hammocks are modern hammocks. They’re constructed of lightweight and waterproof materials like nylon or polyester. You can learn more about them from outdoor goods retailers.
National Hammock Day
There’s no better day to try out a hammock than on the official National Hammock Day. It’s celebrated every year on July 22, right in the middle of summer. It’s easy to celebrate with a hammock of your own.
String your hammock up on a stand or between two trees. Grab a cold drink and a good book. Lay back in your hammock and enjoy a relaxing afternoon.
Try Out a Hammock Today
You probably didn’t know that the history of hammocks was so rich and extensive. Celebrate the hammock in your yard by relaxing back and taking a nap in yours. Perhaps you love to wrap up in a cocoon of woven netting, or maybe you prefer a plush quilted style.
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