Happy National
Merry-Go-Round Day everyone!
A Merry-Go-Round,
also known as a carousel is “is an amusement ride consisting of a rotating
circular platform with seats for riders. The "seats" are
traditionally in the form of rows of wooden horses or other animals mounted on
posts, many of which are moved up and down by gearwork to simulate galloping,
to the accompaniment of looped circus music.”
Fun Merry-Go-Round Fact: Most of the “horses”
used on this delightful ride weigh 100lbs on average!
A little history…the very first Merry-Go-Round
was thought to have been created in 500 A.D. This source of amusement was
generally found in large-scale events and festivities, such as royal weddings,
and state visits. This practice began in the 16th century. It wasn’t
until the 18th century that Merry-Go-Rounds began frequenting fairs
and less extravagant social events. Originally, there were no platforms,
meaning that the animals would be attached to a pole. This model of carousel is
referred to as a “flying horse,” because of the way the animals would fly
outward once the ride began moving. Merry-Go-Rounds have decreased in
popularity, particularly in the US – going from 4000 in the early 1900s to just
150 in the early 2000s!
Another Fun Merry-Go-Round Fact: In North
America, Merry-Go-Rounds turn counterclockwise, while in Europe the turn
clockwise! Be sure to vote on today’s poll! You can do so by clicking here!
No comments:
Post a Comment