Inside this post is my affiliate links. If you click on the links and make a purchase I will make a small percentage off the items you purchase.
I thought I would ask you a question. Did you know July 22nd: is National Hammock Day – #nationalhammockday? When we lived in our Mobile Home Charlie always wanted a Hammock liked our friend Ed used to have in his yard. We weren’t ever able to get Charlie a hammock but then the more I thought about what to get Charlie for Christmas and his Birthday I thought a hammock would be fun unique gift.
The more I thought about it getting a hammock for Charlie for our townhome I wasn’t sure if they would work in our apartment even though we have a front porch, back porch and even a balcony. Then I found out there are hammocks for the inside of the home. I went online and found SUNCREAT 2-in-1 Hammocks Hammock Chair with Stand, 475 lbs Capacity, Heavy Duty Two Person Hammock with Stand, Patent Pending, Blue Stripe which isn’t only a hammock but a chair I can use when I sit outside to read. Making this the perfect Gift not only for Charlie but myself as well.
National Hammock Day is celebrated every year on July 22nd. National Hammock Day is used to commemorate the universal symbol for relaxation. Developed by the Mayans of Central and South America for sleeping or resting, a hammock is a sling made of fabric, rope or netting, which is suspended between two points like a post or trees.
Most often, hammocks were made from the woven bark from the Hamack Tree — hence “hamacas”. Today the hammock is often seen as a symbol of Summer, leisure, relaxation, and simple, easy living. So grab your favorite book, put your feet up, climb into a hammock of your choice and relax! Don’t forget your pets.
Since the 13th Century, humans have enjoyed napping and resting in hammocks that have been tied together between two trees. The word “Hammock” originated from a Taino culture Arwakan word meaning “fishnet”. The name is also derived from the Hamack tree because hammocks used to be woven from their bark. Though hammocks are used around the world, their popularity is arguably at its peak in Latin America, and some say that hammocks embody the ‘relaxed’ lifestyle traditional to those Countries and the Caribbean.
The hammock was invented by the native-born people of Middle and South America, who called them “Hamacas”, in the Taino language. Columbus first encountered the hammock in the Bahamas. . Columbus observed in 1492 that “people were sleeping in nets between the trees”. Columbus brought the hammock back to Europe where Sailors started using the hammock extensively because swinging while suspended in the air led to better sleep than they were previously experiencing on the dirty ship floor.
Nowadays the hammock serves as a bed to some or a symbol of leisure to others. Popular brands like ENO have made hammocking stylish with their sleek materials and colors. Many people today would consider hammocking a social activity, or a place for personal relaxation. Hammocking can be a fun way to spend time with the people you are closest to.
NATIONAL HAMMOCK DAY TRADITIONS
What’s better than hammocks? Getting to celebrate hammocks by simply relaxing in them. Lying in a hammock is an activity enjoyed by almost everyone and can be done almost anywhere. The tradition for National Hammock Day is to relax and let the hammock sway and soothe us.
Here is a fun fact for you. Some hammocks can fit multiple people so feel free to double up the fun. If you are territorial and don’t wish to share but still want to make it social, stackable hammocks are also a thing. Which I’ve never heard of stackable hammocks but they would take up less space and Charlie could use them in place of a bed when his friends spend the night.
HOW TO CELEBRATE
- Your mission today is to find two sturdy, conveniently located trees or posts and set up a hammock. Hammocks are now popping up as interior decor. Hammocks been spotted adorning the walls of some of our favorite shops, homes, and hotels. You can even celebrate Hammock Day indoors. Whether you’re indoors or out, putting up a hammock creates a perfect oasis.
- If you don’t have a hammock? No worries. Improvise. Grab your favorite beach towel or picnic blanket and head to your nearest beach or park. You may not be relaxing in the air, but you’ll still be relaxing, and that’s the whole point of National Hammock Day.
- Did you know hammocks at work are becoming all the rage. Some of the world’s best known companies decided to think outside the box, so they placed hammocks over plush carpet so that their employees can recharge for the second half of the day. Feeling rested is the cornerstone of productivity. Don’t forget to get your boss’ permission first.
FACTS ABOUT HAMMOCKS
- “Hammock” is a popular English Surname which was anglicized, originating in Spanish, before it was translated to English.
- In the Museum of Gold in Bogotá, Colombia, there is a miniature hammock made of pure gold. You can’t touch this hammock, but it is beautiful to behold.
- Did you know you can sleep in a giant hammock in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Maria Mountains. ‘Casa Elemento’ is a picturesque Mountain hostel in Colombia, that allows hostel guests to sleep outside, in a giant hammock that can fit up to 15 people.
- You can relax in an indoor Hammock Cafe in Tokyo. ‘Mahika Mano’ is one of the first hammock-themed cafes in Tokyo. It is located in Kichijoji, and you can sip Tea and eat, and the hammocks double as chairs.
- In the 19th Century, the British prison system adopted the hammock in an attempt to replace jail cell cots. The hammocks were soon taken away, because the prisoners would use the large brass hooks and rings – that connected the hammocks – as makeshift weapons.
WHY PEOPLE LOVE NATIONAL HAMMOCK DAY
- We go to work for eight hours, come home, and have to cook dinner. If you’re a parent, you have to take care of your child on top of all of that. Life can be so hectic, so self-care is very important. On National Hammock Day, you get to take a break from all that craziness and recharge.
- We could all use a few minutes away from our smart phones and computers. Participating in National Hammock Day allows you to unplug from technology, relax, get outside and get some fresh air. If you must bring your phone, turn off your ringer and turn up your playlist.
- You have to admit, taking midday naps was the one of the best things about being a kid. National Hammock Day is a day where you can indulge in a guilt-free adult nap because a short nap of 20-30 minutes can help to improve mood, alertness and performance.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
