This wasn’t autocorrected, I did not intend to spell Movember. Kudos to all who are raising awareness and (hopefully a whole bunch of) money.
Gnomevember is really a thing. While I thought at first, this must be a new fad from the United States of Strange Holidays to fill the whole between Halloween and Christmas, it has been around for quite some time. However, Google, Wiki and even Days of the Year have not heard about it yet, but it has an Instagram hashtag, so that certainly makes it a real thing.
The Roots of Gnomevember
While the German garden gnomes are generally friendly fellows that care about nature, the British or Scandinavian versions are somewhat more mischievous. There are stories of gnomes dating back to the Vikings. Especially in the Nordic countries, gnomes are guarding spirits, often related to the time leading up to Christmas. Many people from Scandinavia still put out a serving of porridge on Christmas Eve to appease the gnomes. In our so-called modern world, most of our traditions seem to date back to peasant times.
A second explanation of Gnomevember is the blogging sphere. Some just love their challenges and after #inktober follows #gnomevember. For all of you out there that don’t blog or write, NaNoWriMo, National Novel Writing Month, falls into the month of November. It entails many a writers to suffer for their art on a daily basis. Participating in Gnomevember means to put out lots of gnome related illustrations.
This may explain why this festive occasion seems to be a hit at local libraries. In recent years though, city councils of America have found a great new spin. You see, placing gnomes all over the city as a form of scavenger hunt is a great way to bring neighbours together or raise some money for charity. In Boston during November for example you can hunt for gnomes in the Tower Hill Botanic Garden or visit Fayetteville, West Virgina, to win great prizes. Believe it or not, Gnomevember even made it to Tasmania!
What a fun new tradition. How will you celebrate Gnomevember?
More Gnome Stories
Postcards from the Garden Gnome Museum
Weekend Movie – Gnomeo & Juliet
Here is the link for you –
https://lindaschaubblog.net/2022/11/21/gourds-guys-and-gals-at-the-gardens/
Hi Jeanine – passing along this post which gives you a shout-out and a cute gnome pic to tuck away for this/next Gnomevember. Will send it separately in case it goes to SPAM due to the link.
Thank you Linda!
On my website, I have 815 posts, but only two gnomes so far. Here’s one of them: https://operasandcycling.com/since-when-is-frankfurt-in-bavaria/
Ha ha, you had me with the title! Heading over right now 😉
You know my views on gnomes. Which reminds me that I once wanted to know your email to send you some overkill pics from a Swiss garden. Either you forgot, or were not interested or your addie never made it to my inbox (spam?). Happy Gnomevember!
Oh Kiki, I am so glad you are back! I was missing your gnome pain. I did send you a contact but maybe it went missing … I was a bit worried why you’re not around 😉
Please send me a mail to bekitschig . at . gmx . de and I am more than happy to connect in any way that suits you!
done 🙂
I did not know about this being a real thing but I will take it since I have many Gnomes hanging around the place and now I will set porridge out along with cookies 🙂
That is a great idea! You never gnome, your garden might look all pro next season?? Take care
I need to get a gnome first haha. I’ve actually been thinking about making one.
Go for it. Life is better with gnomes! Make it glamorous 😉
Reblogged this on MagickMermaid.
Henri, my gnome started celebrating last night. He was a bit tipsy when he arrived home.
You’re so lucky he made it home. You never know with these guys ..