Home for a Gnome?
?>
Download eBooks and Software
 Home Made Energy - The Best Diy Offer!
Feb. 2012 -- 52% Conv. On Back-end Sale. Choose The Energy Offer That Super Affiliates Promote - Today! For Aff Resources, Go To: Http://www.homemadeenergy.org/best/affiliates Also Check Out: Http://www.survivefoodcrisis.org/aff
Tedswoodworking.com 16,000 Plans - #1 On Home & Garden Category!
Insane Conversions Of 23%! Earn 75% On $67 Product. Earn Up To $80 Per Sale With Bonuses Plus Upsells! Hot Seller With Low Refunds. 16,000 Woodworking Plans With 150 Videos & Shed Plans. Affiliates Go To: Http://tedswoodworking.com/affiliates.htm
Power4home -- Powered By Webseeds.com - *proven Products
The Highest Converting Home Energy Site - Earn $79.85 W/ Back End Sale - Join Webseeds.com Today! 100% Commissions + Rewards $$$ Professional Copy & Design $$$ Premium Customer Support, Low Returns. Complete Affiliate Tools: www.webseeds.com/aff
Articles > Home ImprovementHome for a Gnome?
by: Debbie Rodgers
Kitsch is defined by several dictionaries as relating to poor quality or gaudy art objects that appeal to “low-brow” taste. But in the garden, kitsch categorizes folksy or commercial art that’s viewed condescendingly by some, and with irony by others. It’s this irony (this stuff is so bad it’s good) that has made items such as pink flamingos and garden gnomes more widely popular in recent years.
Garden gnomes have long been popular in Europe, especially in the middle European countries of Germany, Austria and Czechoslovakia. In fact, the city of Usti nad Labem in the Czech Republic has declared 2004 to be the Year of the Gnome.
Worldwide popularity of these dwarvish creatures was given a boost after the release of the French film Amelie in 2001. The title character in that movie, frustrated by her father’s refusal to travel in his retirement, abducts his garden gnome and sends it around the world with a flight attendant friend.
But from where did these garden creatures spring? The word “gnome” comes from the same root word as the verb “to know.”
It is thought that gnomes were named by Paracelsus, a 16th century physician and alchemist. Paracelsus authored a theory of the elements that included the belief that gnomes had occult knowledge of the earth.
From that theory sprang folklore tales that established a mythical society for gnomes. People said that gnomes expressed greetings, farewells and goodnights by rubbing noses. They developed stories that the creatures lived to 400 years, with the male gnomes greying very early in life and indulging in pipe-smoking.
Gnomes were divided by folklore into different types, with the house gnome and the garden gnome being the most represented. People believed that gnomes were a good luck charm, a symbol that the forces of nature were on their side. In parts of Europe, statues of garden gnomes have been, and still are, considered status symbols of success.
So much have gnomes captured the popular imagination, that in July 2003 Australia saw “Take your garden gnome to work” day, and recently the BBC urged listeners to hunt out “gnome-infested” gardens in central England. Although tongue-in-cheek, the BBC’s disclaimer to take no risks because they “believe (gnomes) are still a potential source of harm” carries on the folklore legends.
In addition, several gnome “liberation” groups profess to free the statues from enslavement in gardens across America and Europe.
According to legend, house and garden gnomes help with chores around the home, like sweeping the floor or planting. This is the reason many statues of gnomes hold hammers, axes or shovels, or are pushing wheelbarrows.
Many contemporary statues depict gnomes sunbathing, swinging and otherwise relaxing. Several modern artists have specialized in creating statues and painting of gnomes, and many people are avid collectors. Others have opted out of the gnome movement, based on the gnomes’ legendary association to spirits and the occult.
Will there be a gnome in your garden?
?>
News on Home Improvement
Leading Global Home Improvement and Gardening Supplies Retailers - Company Benchmarking Analysis Report
NEW YORK, May 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue: Leading Global Home Improvement and Gardening Supplies Retailers – Company ... NARI, Rebuilding Together provide home upgrades to seniors
MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee NARI Home Improvement Council and the Rebuilding Together Greater Milwaukee are teaming up for the month... 5 Ways to Lower the Cost of Home Improvement
Whether it's adding a bath or remodeling the kitchen, here's how to find materials for a fraction of the price at big-box home improvement stores, hire the right contractor at the right price, and get that project done for less. Friday Sector Leaders: Home Furnishings & Improvement, Education & Training Services
In trading on Friday, home furnishings & improvement shares were relative leaders, up on the Lucintel Estimates Global Home Improvement Retail Industry to Reach US $1,959 Billion in 2017
Lucintel Estimates Global Home Improvement Retail Industry to Reach US $1,959 Billion in 2017Irving, TX (PRWEB) May 25, 2012 Despite many challenges and pressures in the market, the environment for home improvement retailers is encouraging, and the global home improvement retail market is expected to reach an estimated $1,959 billion in 2017 with a CAGR of 3% over the next five years (2012-2017 ...
|
