Google Doodle pays tribute to backyard dwarfs

Garden Day: Google Doodle pays tribute to backyard dwarfs

Garden dwarfs are the honorees of Google’s Doodle this Sunday (10) due to Garden Day, celebrated today in Germany. According to the company, these statues are of great importance in German history and can be found in lush flower beds spread across the country. The celebration has a brief animation, explaining the origin of the tradition and how the dolls are made, followed by a game in which it is possible to launch the little creatures in their own virtual gardens.

The story behind Google Doodles; understand how the project was born

Doodle pays homage to garden gnomes – Photo: Disclosure / Google

The user can choose one of six gnomes with different sizes and shapes and, when clicking with the mouse or pressing the space key, they are thrown by a catapult. The farther they go (which can be helped by mushrooms that act as springs), the more flowers are planted and stitches are made. The speed can be increased by clicking on a “booster” button, which increases the chances of expanding the launch distance.

Garden dwarf launch game – Photo: Disclosure / Google

History of garden dwarfs

The figure of the gnomes appeared in the 13th century in Anatolia, the region where Turkey is today, and resurfaced in Italy three centuries later, but only in the 1800s that they started to dominate the gardens, in Germany. More precisely, it all started in the mining region of Thuringia, in which the local artisans gave the bearded appearance and with pointed hats known today. According to legend, they protect where they are and take good luck.

Today’s Doodle explains the process of making handmade dolls, in which molds made by artists are filled with quality clay and then placed in ovens, to dry and increase durability. When ready, the sculptures are painted by hand and then they can finally decorate and care for flower beds around the world.

The history of Google Doodles

The history of Google Doodles