A non-traditional method of resting and relaxing in the open, suspended in the air with nothing except a thick cloth for support…this is possible with a hammock. A hammock is a fabric sling hung generally between two trees or two posts at a higher level than the ground. It is a strong resting place and can easily take the weight of the human body. According to popular belief, the first hammock was made out of the bark of hamak tree, and it is due to this that it got the name hammock. Its initial purpose of keeping insects and crawling creatures away, made it into an instant success beyond the jungles of South America and into homes and gardens, hotels and clubs, on ships and ranches, by the seaside and over mountaintops. It proved to be a nice resting place wherever space was scarce, and was also perhaps the safest way to make babies sleep without any fear of their falling.
Hammocks today have evolved in terms of quality and design, making them easy to carry and set up. Many come with collapsible stands and are therefore, more mobile, since they do not necessarily have to be tied between two trees. The variety of hammocks available is mind boggling with hundreds to choose from. However, they are all adaptations of the three basic types of hammocks, rope hammocks, string hammocks or fabric hammocks. Rope hammocks are sturdy and are made out of thick soft ropes of cotton or mixed with polypropylene. Being a little tough, they do not adapt to the contours of the body but remain extremely comfortable. Choosing a rope hammock is easy and all one needs to check is that the smaller the gap between the ropes, the higher the comfort for the user.
Fabric hammocks are the perfect substitutes for beds, as the cloth provides comfort to the body in a resting position, and its close weave leaves no gaping holes. However, this prevents ventilation from below. Made out of thick, strong cloth or canvas, modern fabric hammocks have a synthetic blend, which makes them sturdier, with some that even absorb moisture. The simplest cloth hammocks are used in rural areas to make babies sleep.
String hammocks conform to the Mayan style of hammocks, and have designs similar to webs. They are perhaps the most comfortable as they support the body shape, offer ventilation and are weight bearing to a greater degree. They come in bright colors and the strings are hand woven for added strength and durability.
Hammocks are a great idea for a beautiful garden. Modern ways of life leave little time for people to enjoy the beauties and bounties of nature. Many people have beautiful gardens around their homes but never sit down to enjoy their beauty. A hammock placed in it may prove to be the best way to enjoy the early morning sun or watch it go down the horizon as the day draws to a close. Garden hammocks come with various types of stands and they do not damage the green grass below as the base is always suspended above the ground. The splash of color against the tranquil backdrop is a visual delight. The idea of a hammock is a novelty for children, and it can even be placed close to the swimming pool. Adults can spend hours reading a book lying in a hammock, so much so that they may not wish to get back to the ground. The concept of lying virtually suspended in air is strangely relaxing. Hammock chairs and family hammocks that can bear a lot more weight are interesting adaptations of the hammock. Quilted ones are preferable for children as they provide cushioned support. Waterproof hammocks are ideal for the garden, as they do not have to be removed each time it rains. Current favourites are the earth friendly hammocks that are the first choice of all environmentally aware individuals.
It is ideal to invest in a portable hammock that can be taken for picnics and outdoor exercises and even used in the cool havens of one’s garden. It is an addictive comfort and extremely difficult to give up once one has tasted the kind of relaxation it provides