History of Hammocks
Everyone loves hammocks, but have you ever wondered where hammock swings came from? Let us not forget that hammocks and hammock swings are a fairly rudimentary concept. We have just perfected the concept by making them more comfortable and durable. They can be traced back 1000 years ago to the Mayan Indians in Central America. Early ones were created from the bark of the Hamak tree. Hamak trees are not abundant so over time the sisal plant became the choice material. The sisal plan fibers could also be softened by working them with your hands. This provided for more comfortable experience when laying on one. Only in the last 50 years did cotton versions appear.
The hammock made its way from Central America to the states via trade routes. Once America Indians adopted them, they started to expand on the idea making such types of hammocks like rope, quilted, and fabric ones.
The Europeans also took on the hammock craze. They used canvas cloths in them and distributed them to their Navy which they used for many years. These hammocks were small and compact. When they went into battle, they were rolled up and places against the ships walls to provide another layer of protection against gun fire.
Once hammocks were adopted by Americans in the eighteenth century, they were not what they are today. Most required great balance to use them so as not to flip over and fall to the ground. Over time Americans perfected the materials and structure to help make them more stable and comfortable.
Throughout the world millions of people use hammocks as their primary bed or furniture. Us Americans use them as a way of relaxing outdoors, but that should shadow the importance of them in the history of the world. I currently have a a cotton one and wouldn’t trade it for anything. There is nothing better than rocking in the breeze on a warm summer day.