Learn about the history of Whirligig Toys.

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Whirligig Toys

Capturing imaginations throughout history

Whirligigs are entertaining wind-powered toys that have been popular with children in the United States for over 200 years. They range from the small and simple, such as a pinwheel, to the larger and more complex garden ornaments that depict a repetitive scene, such as a bird flying or two men sawing a log. Whirligigs became popular in the early 19th century, during the long winter months when play was restricted to the indoor areas. In these early times, the term "whirligig" was actually a more all-encompassing term than it is today. Yo-yos were considered whirligigs, as was a toy made of a flat metal object positioned on two strings that would spin from one side to another with the right pulling-and-relaxing motions. In fact, Webster broadly defines the term as "a child's toy having a whirling motion," leaving much room for interpretation.

More recently, the term whirligig refers to a wind-powered toy or decorative ornament. There are thousands of different whirligig designs on the market today, from the classic man chopping wood to more modern designs such as racecars and surfers. Most recently, whirligigs have been constructed into modern, abstract, wind-powered art.

No matter what form whirligigs take, children are still fascinated by these little whirling devices. From pinwheels to merry-go-rounds, from garden ornaments to abstract art, there's just something about the spinning, repetitive movement that captures a child's attention and imagination in a way that video games can't. They teach a child about motion and cause-and-effect in a fun way. Whirligig toys have stuck around for generations for a reason - even the simple pinwheel can clearly stand the test of time. No matter how old you are, a whirligig can still capture your attention and help you remember your simpler days as a child.