Every year, on July 22, National Hammock Day is celebrated to commemorate the universal symbol of relaxation. A hammock is a sling made of fabric, rope, or netting, which is suspended between two points such as posts or trees, it was developed by the Mayans of Central and South America for sleeping or resting. Most of the time, hammocks were assembled from the woven bark from the Hamack Tree [hamacas]. Nowadays the hammock is often seen as a symbol of summer, relaxation, leisure, and simple, easy living. So put your headphones, put your feet up, and relax while listening to your favorite music!
History
Humans have enjoyed napping and resting in hammocks that have been tied together between two trees since the 13th century. Word “Hammock” in Taino culture Arawakan language means “fishnet”. Hammocks used to be woven from Hamack tree bark therefore the origin of the name is also connected to it. The popularity of hammock is arguably at its peak in Latin America, although they are used around the world as well. Some say that hammocks represent the “relaxed” lifestyle customary in Latin American countries and the Caribbean.
A hammock was invented by the native-born people of Middle and South America. In the Taino language, they called themselves “Hamacas”. In 1492, in the Bahamas Columbus first encountered the hammock, he observed that people were sleeping in tangles between the trees. Then the hammock was brought to Europe by him and sailors started using it vastly because they slept better swinging while suspended in the air than lying down on the dirty floor of a ship.
Currently, the hammock functions as a bed to some or a symbol of relaxation to others. Many people today would consider hammocking as a place for personal relaxation or social activity. Hammocking can be a delightful way to spend time with your closest people.
Timeline of National Hammock Day
250 to 900 A.D. (The Mayans Know How To Relax) – At some point within this time frame, the Mayans invented hammocks.
1400s (First Record) – The first record of hammocks appeared after Columbus first saw them in Latin America.
1597 (Royal Relaxation) – As the official bed for their sailors, the Royal Navy adopted the sling hammock.
1940 (Need to Relax During War) – “Jungle hammocks” were used by the US Marine Corps. During World War II, these hammocks were used in tropical jungle regions such as Burma. These hammocks were sprayed with insecticide.
2015 (Too Much of a Good Thing) – In order to protect the trees, some states, like Maryland and California, begin to ban hammocks in public parks and on University campuses.
Traditions of National Hammock Day
The tradition for National Hammock Day is to relax and let the hammock sway and soothe us because lying in a hammock is an activity enjoyed by almost everyone and can be done almost anywhere.
Feel free to double up the fun because some hammocks can fit many people. However, if you are territorial and do not want to share but still want to make it social, you can use stackable hammocks in this case.
FAQs about National Hammock Day
Is National Hammock Day a real holiday?
This holiday is real. Many camping enthusiasts celebrate this holiday and you should as well.
How many hammocks are sold each year?
Each year, more than a million hammocks are sold in North America.
When Do You Celebrate National Hammock Day?
Every year, on July 22.
Read about different National Days here
How to Celebrate National Hammock Day
1) Put up your hammock
Find two conveniently located, sturdy posts or trees and set up your hammock. The versatile slings have been spotted decorating the walls of some of our favorite hotels, shops, and homes. It means that you can even celebrate Hammock Day indoors. Generally, putting up a hammock creates a perfect oasis, whether you are indoors or out.
2) Grab a towel and go to the beach
Do not worry if you don’t have a hammock. You can improvise. Grab your favorite picnic blanket or beach towel and head to your nearest park or beach. You may not be chilling in the air, but you will still be chilling, and that is the whole essence of the day.
3) Bring a hammock to work
Some of the world’s best-known companies decided to think outside the box, as hammocks at work are becoming all the rage. Companies adjusted hammocks over the plush carpet so that their employees can restore their energy for the second half of the day. Feeling relaxed is the cornerstone of productivity. Although, you should get your boss’s permission first.
5 Interesting facts about Hammocks
1) Hammock by name
“Hammock” is a famous English Surname. It originated in Spain, then it was anglicized.
2) It is golden
In Bogotá, Colombia, in the Museum of Gold, there is a tiny hammock made of pure gold. This hammock can not be touched, but it is beautiful to observe.
3) A mountain view
You have the possibility to sleep in a huge hammock which is located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Maria mountains. A panoramic mountain hostel in Colombia, “Casa Elemento” lets hostel guests sleep outdoors, in a giant hammock that can fit up to fifteen people.
4) An indoor hammock
One of the first hammock-themed cafes is in Tokyo, and its name is “Mahika Mano.” You can relax in this indoor hammock cafe. You can find this cafe in Kichijoji, where it is possible to sip tea and eat. Hammocks, in mentioned cafe double as chairs.
5) A bad idea
The British prison system, in the 19th century, adopted the hammock in an effort to replace jail cell cots. Soon the prisoners would use the large brass hooks and rings – that connected the hammocks – as makeshift weapons, therefore hammocks were soon taken away.
Why Do We Love National Hammock Day?
You get some personal time
Life can get very busy, so self-care is very important. Every day you go to work for eight hours, come home, and have to cook dinner. If you are a parent, you have to take care of your child on top of all of that. Well, on National Hammock Day, you get to take a break from all that and refresh.
You get to unplug
It is very important to take some time out from using our smartphones and computers. Taking part in the national holiday allows you to unplug from technology, relax, go outdoors and get some fresh air. But if you need to take your phone with you, try to turn off your ringer and turn up your playlist.
Adult naps
We all know that taking midday naps was one of the best things about childhood. National Hammock Day is a day where you can enjoy a guilt-free adult nap. A short nap of (20-30 minutes) can help to better mood, performance, and alertness.
