The Truth about Gnomes

This Australia Day there were about 1,500 extra garden gnomes in the mountains. These diminutive critters gathered in Glenbrook for the 8th Annual Gnome Convention. Seeking some free entertainment for my two year old daughter and with a bit of innate ‘kitsch’ curiosity, I decided to venture into the strange world of garden gnomes.

Classic Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs greeted guests at the entry to the convention. Apparently, it was from Disney’s 1937 depiction of this fable that the first ‘kitsch’ plastic garden gnomes of the 1960’s were modelled. This, coinciding with the modern phenomenon of suburban gardens, saw their proliferation as ‘lawn ornaments’, as neat clipped lawns blossomed throughout America, England and Australia. Hoping to view some rare early classic gnomes there were indeed many varied styles on offer, and appropriately in the spirit of the day, some uniquely Australian examples. The highlight for me was definitely the Dame Edna Everage gnome dressed in what appeared to be an Elvis Presley inspired outfit!

This anglicised ‘garden’ version of the gnome though is an interesting skew on what was traditionally a scandinavian / germanic mythical goblin or dwarf like creature. The original gnome, known as ‘tomte’ and ‘nisse’ in Scandinavian mythology, was the upholder of farm proprietary and farming traditions. Translated from the Latin gēnomos as earth-dweller, inappropriate or uncouth behaviour by farmhands could result in these mythical characters turning the milk sour or causing the crops to fail. As a pagan, pre-christian spirit they were placated at winter solstice with an offering of a bowl of porridge. The typical appearance of these original gnomes dressed humbly in traditional farm clothes, with a large beard and pointed hat was indeed the imagery also later adopted by capitalism for the modern day Santa Claus!*

With these traditions in mind I feel justified in being mildly repelled by a few of the more risque gnomes on display at this years convention. Lewdity it seems, has no place in the traditional world of gnomes and I can’t help but wonder how their owner’s gardens are faring? Dame Edna, Australia’s queen of suburban proprietary and kitsch, I’m sure would also be tutting her disapproval!

WORDS AND IMAGES BY LIBBY SULLIVAN

*Thanks to Wikipedia for giving me a ‘heads up’ on all things ‘gnomey’!