The Hanging History of Hammocks: From Necessity to Backyard Luxury

The Relaxing Origins of the Hammock

Hammocks have become a beloved lounging spot for relaxation and afternoon naps. But these hanging woven beds were not always just for leisure - they have a fascinating history rooted in necessity for native indigenous peoples across Central and South America.

Origins and Invention

The origins of the hammock can be traced back to tribes like the Maya, Arawak, and Taíno civilizations. The word "hammock" itself derives from the Taíno word "hamaca." These indigenous groups developed the suspended beds hung between two trees as a way to stay cool, dry, and avoid pests and vermin on the ground while sleeping.

When Christopher Columbus arrived in the Bahamas in 1492, his crew encountered the Lucayans using hammocks. The Spanish sailors quickly adopted them aboard their ships, finding the ventilated hammocks ideal for cramped quarters and preventing disease spread compared to conventional mattresses.

Spreading Across the World

Over time, hammock use proliferated throughout Spanish exploration and trade routes across the Americas and Caribbean. They became standard maritime bedding, prized for their portability, breathability, space-saving design, and ability to prevent seasickness from the gentle rocking motion.

As their reputation grew in the 19th century, wealthy plantation owners brought hammocks to their estates as a fashionable lounging item. They transitioned from a practical maritime sleeping solution to a luxury relaxation item for the leisure class.

Traditional Hammock Materials

Hammocks were traditionally woven from bark strips of the Hamack tree, which gave them their name. But indigenous tribes soon switched to more comfortable fibers from the Sisal plant. As time went on, materials like cloth, netting, rope, nylon, cotton and polyester became common hammock materials.

The Evolution of Hammock Use

While originally designed just for sleeping, hammocks found many other innovative uses over the centuries:

• Sailors and pirates used them as lightweight, space-saving beds aboard ships from the 1600s-1900s. The rocking motion helped prevent seasickness.
• The lightweight, compact hammock design made them ideal for use by early astronauts with limited spacecraft space and weight restrictions.
• For a time, hammocks were commonly used in place of cribs, with the gentle swaying motion soothing babies to sleep.
• Outdoors enthusiasts like hikers and campers adopted hammocks for their portability and comforting suspension off the ground when tent camping.

The Modern Hammock Renaissance

Today's hammocks are loved not just for practicality, but as supremely comfortable outdoor loungers and decor pieces. Their eye-catching woven designs have become a backyard staple and on-trend accent for patios, porches and sunrooms.

Many modern hammocks are also designed for better back support and promoting deeper sleep when used as actual beds. Some physiotherapists recommend sleeping in a hammock to help alleviate back and neck pain.

Versatile and available in countless styles from rope to fabric, hammocks have truly transcended their humble origins as a simple sleeping utility. They remain an iconic symbol of kicking back and savoring lifeʼs simpler pleasures.

A Continuation of Tradition

At Lazy Daze Hammocks, we strive to continue the long tradition of hammock craftsmanship mastered by indigenous cultures centuries ago. Our hammocks combine the classic woven design with modern, durable materials and subtle touches of the contemporary.

Whether you're looking for a hammock bed, chair, or stand, our pieces allow you to experience that same tranquil, weightless relaxation first enjoyed by the native peoples of the Americas. Discover your ultimate backyard paradise or outdoor living sanctuary with Lazy Daze Hammocks.