A Tale of Merry-Go-Rounds
Merry-go-rounds are so much fun! Whenever I visited a fair or amusement park, it was something I would really look forward to. They’re extensively used as props in Hollywood movies involving romance, mystery, action, and drama!
I always felt it was an extremely improbable invention. Why would you design something with wooden horses going up and down in circles inside an enclosure and run with elaborate machinery? And how did it end up in fairs & amusement parks across the world?
It begins with war.
Back in the 1100's, Arabian and Turkish horsemen played a game on horseback. They took it very seriously... so seriously that Italian and Spanish crusaders who watched, described the contest as a "little war" or … carosella.
The crusaders brought the game back to Europe where it became, in time, an extravagant display of horsemanship and finery that the French called carrousel.
Initially, it is said that this game involved tossing and catching a ball while going around in circles on horseback. A way to build dexterity to prepare for war. As it attracted crowds, the game evolved into a more visual spectacle.
By the 17th century, the balls had been dispensed with, and instead, the riders had to spear small rings that were hanging from poles overhead and rip them off. Cavalry spectacles that replaced medieval jousting, such as the ring-tilt, were popular in Italy and France. The game began to be played by commoners, and carousels soon sprung up at fairgrounds across Europe.
Even though it became a popular public show for people, the game was still reserved for soldiers and aristocrats. A wooden version was first seen in the 18th century.
Its origin can be traced back to the “Jeu de bague”, 18th century merry-go-rounds inspired by medieval jousting. Carousels appeared as a fairground attraction in the second half of the 19th century, powered by men or donkeys before the invent of steam and electric engines.
The ability to ride the horses on the merry-go-rounds made the crowds feel noble, as that privilege was generally reserved for soldiers and aristocrats.
At this point, the carousel became particularly attractive to children.
Carousels were also a way to experience adventure, especially for children. Being on their own they had to give their ticket and also experience the fear and thrill of being pulled away from their parents, only to be reunited as the carousel turned around just a bit farther.
Today, they are less popular as they were in the 80s & 90s, but definitely still something fun and safe to look forward to at every fair.
There are even some versions that are hand-cranked that go around in fairs in villages and towns across the world today like the one shown below. Notice the lever in the center.
The next time you see a carousel merry-go-round at an amusement park, a fair or on screen, remember that hundreds of years ago this was played on real horses as a way to prepare your cavalry for war.
“Culture arises and unfolds in and as play.” - Johan Huizinga, Dutch historian
Have a playful weekend ahead!
- Prasanth