Google Doodle Celebrating Garden Gnomes

Garden gnomes are usually male, often bearded, usually wearing red Phrygian caps and often have pipes.

Garden gnome are small lawn ornament figures of humanoid creatures known as gnomes who are typically men in red pointed hats.

Gnome manufacturing has spread throughout Germany, with many other large and small manufacturers entering and leaving the business, each with its own unique design style. From around 1860, many statues were made in Gräfenroda, a city in Thuringia known for its ceramics.

Garden gnomes are usually male, often bearded, usually wearing red Phrygian caps and often have pipes. They are made in various poses and are shown chasing various hobbies, such as fishing or napping.

The figures of the gnomes first appeared in the thirteenth century in Anatolia and reappeared in the sixteenth century in Italy.

Driven by local myths and greater leisure, the gnomes began to find homes in the gardens of the country. The legend says that they protect these gardens and bring good luck.

Gnomes have become controversial in serious gardening circles in the UK, and have been banned at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show, as organizers say they are undermining the design of the gardens. The ban was lifted in 2013 to commemorate the centenary of the show.

Gnome lovers have accused organizers of snobbery because garden gnomes are popular in the gardens of working-class and suburban homes.

The gnomes can be made from terracotta clay slip (runny clay) poured into molds. This is allowed to set and the excess is emptied from the center, leaving a clay shell. The gnome is removed from the mold when it is firm, it is left to dry and then baked in an in a kiln until it hardens. Once it has cooled, the gnome is painted.

The most modern gnomes are made of resins and similar materials. Today, there are many variants of garden gnomes, including the funny ones like a gnome stabbed in the back or one with a hanged hood.