Several centuries ago, garden gnomes were real people Bashny.Net

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XVIII century was a great time to be a rich man. Of course, the wealthy always be good, but the 1700s were a time of monumental excess and incredible promiscuity. We're talking about the era of the Hellfire Club, the Marquis de Sade and Marie Antoinette. But Gregorian England know flaunted his wealth in strange ways. Rather than organize an orgy, they hired hermit to those camped out on their lawns.

In XVIII-th century in England it was in vogue gardens, but instead of the usual beds elite wanted to swing Milton paradise. And what could be better for a personal Eden, you hire a hermit? Aristocrats hire random people, forcing them to dress up as monks and druids, and live in tiny huts or caves. Their contracts are usually concluded for seven years, during which the "hermit" could not cut their hair, take a bath and talk to someone. They often paid for walking barefoot and only allow such simple things as litter, hourglass and the Bible. And pay them a lot, often from 400 to 600 pounds per year.

This practice was very popular in Britain, and even among some of the aristocracy of the continent. What motivated the people in this strange fashion hiring hermits? Why do they want to live in their gardens smelly, unwashed men? This is due to an obsession with the idea of ​​"melancholy". Obviously, people XVIII-century many have sought to show itself bleak and nothing symbolized a reflection of their personal sacrifice is better than a hermit. And of course, if you had such an introspective actor, it means that you are in themselves quite melancholic.



Of course, this strange custom short lived, and soon hermits lost their high-paying jobs. However, their legacy lives on to this day. The next time you pass by your neighbor's garden, you can see the little man in a red cap, hiding in the flower bed. Yes, ornamental hermits not just disappear ... they turned into garden gnomes!

via factroom.ru