March 29, 2024

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Transforming Houses Into Homes

The History Of The Gazebo

The growing popularity of the gazebo is not a dramatic change in the history of the world, as we can see these structures have been around us for a very long time.

Throughout time gazebo history has been dramatic. Some historians believe, the word “gazebo” was first used in 1752. Gazebos have had several names – pagodas, summerhouses, screen houses pergolas and arbors. Popularity of gazebos has risen and fallen with different times but they still are a grand way to decorate a backyard or patio.

The origin

Gazebos have existed since thousand years back. But they were not used as part of garden sight in the beginning. They were built as towers or lanterns on the roofs of houses. The idea was to gain the surrounding view of the household. Alternatively speaking, enjoying the garden view is also a good enough reason to set a gazebo on a house.

In Egypt

Gazebos started in Egypt back in 5000 BC. They were the part of the dreams of royals who wished to create heaven on earth. Part of the Egyptian heritage, their belief was that the gazebos will go with them to the life hereafter. Gazebo type murals were set on the tombs. The earliest ever tomb for the Egyptians were built back in 1400 BC. Gazebos at that time were used as temples too.

In Rome and ancient Greece

Gazebos in these regions were built to resemble small temples. To talk simple, these gazebos were the branch booths of the larger temples. These were marble gazebos in most cases. As the population in Greece grew, there came a trend among the rich and noble building summerhouses along the Mediterranean coasts. Gazebos were mostly seen in these coastal getaways.

In Persia

The Islamic philosophy and culture was the trademark of Persian gazebos. They were often referred to as “kiosks”. There were large amounts of variety among these gazebos. They were quite colorful tents sometimes elaborated up to 2-story structures. They had marble columns and golden seats for royals. Summer was intolerable in Persia. So many of the gazebos were built across pools or streams. The idea was to let the cool water to regulate the temperature inside.

In china

China has had special significance with gazebos- especially considering the fact that gazebos in this part of the world were meshed with Chinese culture and heritage. The bottom line of Chinese gazebos or pagodas was large size and metaphorical looks. Gazebos were called teahouses and had great significance during the Tea Ceremonies. Just like the modern time, gazebos of that period were considered a place to rest, meditate, and achieve spiritual harmony. They were built to admire the beauty of the garden.

The renaissance

The Italians at this time built belvederes. These were not gazebos but had great similarity to gazebos. They were set as interior part of a house. The usage of Belvederes were also seen in monastery gardens as shrines. They were also regarded well as a place of meditation.

In early America

In early America, gazebos were the entertainment for the colonists’. But the biggest momentum in the popularity of Gazebo was found in the mid 1800’s. This momentum was carried with the boom of new middle class. As time passed, gazebos seemed to be regarded as out of fashion/style. But gazebos regained their popularity around 1930’s. Popular or not, throughout history, gazebo lived with its own pride and prejudice.