The Origin of the Hammock

The hammock is used today by millions of people around the world. It can be used in the home, yard, or even for camping. Although most people know that the hammock offers extreme in comfort and relaxation, some may ask where did the hammock come from?

It is found in history books that the bark of the Hammock tree was used to weave the first hammock. The Sisal plant (which looks a lot like an Aloe Vera plant) would soon be used instead of the bark. This became the chosen material in the hammock because it was more abundant, and its fibers could be softened by rubbing them against the thigh. Cotton hammocks were not made until the approximately the last 50 to 60 years!

Hammocks have been used by the people of South America and Central America for almost 1000 years. Hammocks soon became a popular item in the homes of many natives; this was due to the trade routes between these two regions. After a short time hammocks were being woven from indigenous fabrics and materials. This in turn resulted in a number of different hammock styles.

An interesting piece of history about the hammock is that in the 19th Century, British prisons, needing ways to save on space, used them as beds. The hammocks were attached to the walls with large brass hooks. This worked great until the prisoners started using the brass hooks as weapons; this ended the use of hammocks in British prisons.

By the 18th century, hammocks in North America were a novelty. Most hammocks were narrow with wood staves, and required a bit of balance and skill by those that used them. Not until the 1880's was a wider hammock presented and became popular in North America. In the past several years hammocks have risen tremendously in popularity. People are looking more and more for ways to relax, unwind, and meditate. The hammock is often spotted in yards, gardens, poolside, beaches, and inside homes. They are no longer just for those in Central and South America. The hammocks enjoyable comfort and versatile options make it a popular piece among many.

Today the hammock can be found in over one hundred millions homes and yards around the world. They are not only used for relaxation but for a unique decorating statement. The long and interesting history of the hammock continues even today.