Hammocks: Swing Your Worries Away

A hammock is a type of bed made of canvas or piece of rope woven together, hung at each end from a wall, post, tree etc. A hammock swing is merely a conventional hammock cut up into half and kept upright. Hammocks are used predominantly for relaxation, the place of which could vary right from our very own backyard to a really tranquil tropical beach. Hammocks are also used as a lightweight bed on campings. Here hammocks offer various advantages over the conventional tents. Primarily hammocks leave behind no trace of any camping, thus maintaining the privacy and secrecy preferred by certain campers. Also as these hammocks are lighter than the tents, they offer greater portability and would fit easily into any camper’s backpack. They also offer the chance to camp and explore in not so common places like sloppy terrains and mountainous regions kindling the spirit of adventure within the camper. Hammock swings also provide a safe option of sleeping in hilly and forest areas, where the ground may be susceptible to deadly snakes and other slimy creatures. Hammocks free us the trouble of sleeping in dirt ridden grounds.

The history of hammocks dates back to 1700’s developed predominantly in pre Columbian Latin America. Till now no information is available as to who invented by it. But it is believed to be made by in the villages adjoining the city of Yucatan; Merida. Hammocks became popular in Europe after Christopher Columbus on his return from the present day Bahamas, brought with him a large number of hammocks to Spain.
The name ‘hammock’ is derived from a Spanish word hamac. Hammocks are also used as sleeping beds by sailors around the world. Here hammock offers safety to the sailors and prevents them from falling from their bed when sailing on rough seas. This is possible as the hammock unlike a bed tends to rise with the oppressive waves and also forms a cocoon like shell around the user, thus making it virtually impossible to fall in one’s sleep.
The older versions of hammocks were made out of the bark of a tree known as hamack.But modern hammocks are made from a particular plant species known as ‘sisal’, as it was available in plenty. The modern hammocks also provided the user with a lot of ergonomic features like integral mosquito netting and pockets for storage of camp items. Some higher end hammocks also offer the quilt or foam on the underside to reduce the stress on the lower back and also to counter the extreme cold conditions that prevail during nights in the tropical jungles.
Hammocks are available in a variety of designs and materials. The popular models are the spreader bar hammock, the Mayan and the Brazilian. The quality of a hammock is decided by the number of strings and the material used to make them. The spreader bar hammocks are characterized by their easy access, but are less stable and not conducive to sleeping. While the Mayan and Brazilian hammocks are less durable, but offer greater comfort during sleeping. Hammocks are also used in garden patios, to have a relaxing swing reading your favorite novel.
There are certain things that look downright simple but offer immense joy and pleasure when experienced. So what are you still waiting for? Go pick a hammock from your nearest store and watch your worries swing upside down!