The story of hammocks started over a thousand years ago somewhere in Central America, a region inhabited by the Mayan Indians. Trying to survive in the midst of tropical wetness and wild life, they discovered a novel method of resting suspended in the air, by hanging thick material like a sling. The material they used was woven out of the bark of the hamak tree since it was sturdy enough to hold the body weight of adults. An alternative emerged from the abundant sisal plant, which also became soft on rubbing and hence more comfortable to lie down in. Hammocks were a way of life and the frequent trading with other parts of South America led them to be adapted by thousands of native residents of these regions. Christopher Columbus is responsible for introducing hammocks to parts of Europe since he carried back hundreds of hammocks with him from the modern day Bahamas. The Europeans were floored by this unique concept and soon the hammocks began to be used for sleeping on ships while at sea. The sailors were relieved to get proper sleep and could carry this unique bed with them each time they set foot ashore. Thus the British and the French were all hooked to hammocks for life, and their use extended to cramped places and areas where more people had to be accommodated like prisons, war camps and similar places. By the nineteenth century their use had become very widespread.
The use of cloth and canvas had evolved to make them portable, space saving and lighter. The material used for making hammocks came to be determined by the climatic and environmental requirements of the region. Thus net or rope hammocks became popular in warmer areas where the gaps provided ventilation from below as well.
The Mayan region called Mexico was invaded by the Spaniards and they brought the cotton fiber with them and soon it began to be used for hammocks. Yucatan hammocks made in this region use some of the finest woven cotton. Similarly the hammocks woven in Venezuela have come to be known as jungle hammocks since they are meant for the tropical forests.
Hammocks began to be manufactured commercially in America in 1889 under the brand name Pawleys Island in South Carolina. Scores of factories sprang up across the globe but hand woven hammocks were always rated superior. Through out the world wars and other calamities hammocks continued to be used more as an instrument of relaxation and the seamen popularized it as a portable bed that could be carried everywhere. This led to the design of camping hammocks.
Hammock manufacturing became a flourishing business in the 1970s and there has been no looking back since. Cheap, comfortable, an ergonomic bed outdoors, it has been a fad almost all over the world. It has redefined the concept of recreation during holidays and vacations and has also eased the burden of back packers and campers. Its novel uses include hanging it close to the ceiling to store supplies to prevent insects or small animals from spoiling rations in forests. Hammocks have been considered safe for children to rest in outdoors without fear of their falling down.
Today hammocks are the perfect garden accessory, ideal for the patio or backyard, a balcony and even indoors. The therapeutic uses of hammocks have made them a bed substitute for people having backaches or sleep related problems. Hammocks with their gentle swaying motion make even the worst insomniacs fall asleep. The hammock is positively here to stay and its story is going to be one of the never-ending sagas.