Wednesday, May 18, 2011

merry go round

May 17th is the merry go round day.


The dictionary defines merry go round a noun that could mean

• A revolving circular platform fitted with seats often in the form of animals ridden for amusement

• A piece of playground equipment consisting of small circular platform that revolves when pushed or pedalled

• A busy round or a whirl.

The earliest picture of Merry-go-round is seen in the 508 AD byzantine bas relief. Where baskets are suspended and people sit in them.

The origin seems to be in the 12th century when the Turks used to train the cavillers for combat. The crusaders brought this back to Europe with them.

1605 the French used this with musical accompaniment for night amusement.

1620 traveller Peter Mundey described a merry go round in the then modern Ottoman empire of Bulgaria. In the early 19th century it was seen in fairs and public places of Europe.

Sandusky county of Ohio has a merry-go-round museum that organizes special shows and events for May 17th.

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