Gnomes come from a time when people thought fairies, centaurs, dragons and other mythical creatures roamed the earth. Each was seen as a spirited representation of an element, such as air, water, earth, fire and also other things found in nature. Gnomes were chthonic-spirits, chthonic means of the earth. People began drawing and making statues of gnomes and other fairytale creatures when stories of them began to circulate.
Graefenroda, Thuringia, Germany is the supposed birth land of the garden gnome sometime in the sixteenth century. They weren't just cute little human like figures with boots and red pointy hats with gardening tools. They were often posed as musicians, beggars, dancers, drinkers, and lovers. How they were posed and what they were called varied all across Europe.
Gobbi - Italian
Tomte - Swedish
Nisse - Danish
Gnomen Figuren - English Tourists
Gnomes are also closely associated with other mythical creatures who also represent the earth such as:
Brownies: Invisible elves who live with families in houses and assist those who live there. Sometimes a child might catch a glimpse of them but they do not appear to adults. They are considered to be very helpful and a benefit to have around. (Taken from http://folkloreandmyth.netfirms.com/creatures.html)
Goblins: From their birthplace in France, these nasty, hideous cousins of gnomes have spread all over Europe. When they entered England in ancient times, the Druids called them Robin Goblins, from which the name "hobgoblin" derives. Goblins have no permanent home, living temporarily in old trees and under moss-covered rocks. Reported to be playful on occasion, goblins are nonetheless to be avoided. A goblin's smile can curdle blood, and its laugh can make milk turn sour. Goblins amuse themselves by hiding things, spilling food, and confusing travelers by changing signposts. (Taken from http://www.mythicalcreaturesguide.com/page/Goblin)
Gremlins: Are thought to disrupt machinery and are active in modern folklore. (Taken from Dictionary.com)
| Leprechauns: Merry little human-like creatures who live close to humans but do not like to be seen by them very often. They can be very helpful, like Brownies, and will exchange good luck and other treasures for goods they can use. (Taken from http://folkloreandmyth.netfirms.com/creatures.html) |
In the mythical stories of gnomes, they are often portrayed as helpful to plants and animals, and sometimes humans too. They have also been know to interact mischievously with humans, playing tricks on them for fun and causing them lots of trouble.
Over time the garden gnome faded in and out of popularity. Each time it came back they changed their style even if just a little bit.
"Garden Gnomes Today: Garden gnomes are currently more popular than ever. The figure of the garden gnome is instantly recognizable and is seen as a universal symbol of whimsy. There is, however, some controversy associated with them. The Royal Horticulture Society of Britain has banned the appearance of garden gnomes from their official garden shows, calling them a distraction. If past history is any indicator, garden gnomes will survive this snubbing and continue to bring good luck to gardeners everywhere."(http://www.ehow.com/about_5106065_history-garden-gnomes.html)
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