Home for a Gnome?

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 by: Debbie Rodgers

Kitsch is defined by several dictionaries as relating to
poor quality or gaudy art objects that appeal to “low-brow” taste. But
in the garden, kitsch categorizes folksy or commercial art that’s
viewed condescendingly by some, and with irony by others. It’s this
irony (this stuff is so bad it’s good) that has made items such as pink
flamingos and garden gnomes more widely popular in recent years.

Garden gnomes have long been popular in Europe,
especially in the middle European countries of Germany, Austria and
Czechoslovakia. In fact, the city of Usti nad Labem in the Czech
Republic has declared 2004 to be the Year of the Gnome.

Worldwide popularity of these dwarvish creatures was
given a boost after the release of the French film Amelie in 2001. The
title character in that movie, frustrated by her father’s refusal to
travel in his retirement, abducts his garden gnome and sends it around
the world with a flight attendant friend.

But from where did these garden creatures spring? The word “gnome” comes from the same root word as the verb “to know.”

It is thought that gnomes were named by Paracelsus, a
16th century physician and alchemist. Paracelsus authored a theory of
the elements that included the belief that gnomes had occult knowledge
of the earth.

From that theory sprang folklore tales that established
a mythical society for gnomes. People said that gnomes expressed
greetings, farewells and goodnights by rubbing noses. They developed
stories that the creatures lived to 400 years, with the male gnomes
greying very early in life and indulging in pipe-smoking.

Gnomes were divided by folklore into different types,
with the house gnome and the garden gnome being the most represented.
People believed that gnomes were a good luck charm, a symbol that the
forces of nature were on their side. In parts of Europe, statues of
garden gnomes have been, and still are, considered status symbols of
success.

So much have gnomes captured the popular imagination,
that in July 2003 Australia saw “Take your garden gnome to work” day,
and recently the BBC urged listeners to hunt out “gnome-infested”
gardens in central England. Although tongue-in-cheek, the BBC’s
disclaimer to take no risks because they “believe (gnomes) are still a
potential source of harm” carries on the folklore legends.

In addition, several gnome “liberation” groups profess
to free the statues from enslavement in gardens across America and
Europe.

According to legend, house and garden gnomes help with
chores around the home, like sweeping the floor or planting. This is
the reason many statues of gnomes hold hammers, axes or shovels, or are
pushing wheelbarrows.

Many contemporary statues depict gnomes sunbathing,
swinging and otherwise relaxing. Several modern artists have
specialized in creating statues and painting of gnomes, and many people
are avid collectors. Others have opted out of the gnome movement, based
on the gnomes’ legendary association to spirits and the occult.

Will there be a gnome in your garden?

About the Author

Debbie Rodgers owns and operates Paradise Porch, and is dedicated to helping people create outdoor living spaces that nurture and enrich them. Visit her on the web at and get a free report on “Eight easy ways to create privacy in your outdoor space”. Mail to debbie@paradiseporch.com

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