The etymological origin of the word that concerns us now is found in the Caribbean language called Taíno. Exactly we can determine that it derives from the term "hamaka", which later passed into French as "hamac".
The notion of hammock can refer to different objects depending on the region. The first meaning of the term mentioned in the dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ) refers to an elongated net , made of a resistant fabric, which is fixed to two firm supports to hang and serve as a swing or bed.
These hammocks, therefore, are nets or tarps that are attached to two trees, poles or other supports, remaining suspended in the air . The person can lie down in the hammock to sleep or rest . If two people hold the ends of the hammock, it can be used to carry someone or something.
It should not be overlooked that the origin of the hammock is considered to be found in the indigenous peoples of Central America, who made them with natural fabrics that they had in their environment as well as with tree bark. These were hung from the trunks of trees to prevent them from being "attacked" by the presence of rodents or some insects while they were resting.
What's more, apparently, in the colder months they placed embers under them at night so they could rest and stay warm at the same time.
Nowadays, hammocks are common on some beaches . They can also be installed in open spaces of homes, such as gardens or patios.
This type of hammocks are known as Paraguayan hammocks in Argentina and Uruguay . This allows them to be differentiated from hammocks that in other countries are called swings.
A swing (or, as we said, hammock in several Latin American nations) is a seat that, through ropes or chains, hangs from a wooden or metal structure. The seat can therefore swing back and forth. Hammocks or swings, in this way, constitute a very popular children's entertainment .
There are hammocks with backrests and others with holes to insert your legs. The goal is for the child to be safer and not fall during movement.
A rocking chair can also be called a hammock: a chair that, due to its design, allows you to swing. Individuals who sit in a hammock often relax with the sway .
Nowadays, more and more homes have hammocks inside. This is because they bring with them advantages such as having a unique rest area, providing originality to the houses and even giving an ethnic touch.
In this case, if we take into consideration the materials with which these indoor hammocks are created, we can highlight several types: fabric ones, which are breathable and resistant; the mesh ones, the crochet ones, the rope ones…
Likewise, when it comes to swing or chair models, the materials can be natural such as wicker or bamboo. However, there are also wood, basalt, plastic...