The history of the whimsical garden gnome Anthony Marcusa, BestReviews Staff Posted: May 19, 2023 / 07:10 AM CDT Updated: May 19, 2023 / 07:25 AM CDT ...

Where did gnomes come from? In all the centuries of gnome mythology, nature is a common thread. Gnomes are considered earthly creatures, and their history as garden ornaments reflects this.

What have become known as garden gnomes in the States and England can be traced to dwarf statues that originated in Germany around the early 19th century.

Sure, Hanukkah gnomes can be written off as kitsch. Yet their characteristics are based on antisemitic stereotypes that have been leveled at Jews for centuries.

Where do the ubiquitous, often cute and sometimes odd-looking garden gnomes come from? The history of garden gnomes is both fascinating and surprising.

Where do the ubiquitous, often cute and sometimes odd-looking garden gnomes come from? The history of garden gnomes is both fascinating and surprising.

Where do the ubiquitous, often cute and sometimes odd-looking garden gnomes come from? The history of garden gnomes is both fascinating and surprising.

Where do the ubiquitous, often cute and sometimes odd-looking garden gnomes come from? The history of garden gnomes is both fascinating and surprising.

What is the history of the garden gnome? As Google's quirky and unusual animation tells you, the loveable garden ornaments first began appearing in 13th century Anatolia (modern day Turkey).

There are some very authentic-looking Swedish tomtes in this book, but gnomes are a peculiarly British obsession. There are photos of the Gnome reserve in Devon, home to more than 1,000 gnomes.