Ahhhhh, WHIRLIGIGS AND PUZZLES!
Most people have never even heard of a whirligig, let alone seen one, although, almost everyone knows what a puzzle is even though they’ve never seen or heard of a puzzle made from 3/4″ thick hardwood that stands on its edge!
But, a hundred or two or three hundred years ago, they were common place as farmers and sailors busied themselves during those long winters and endless voyages. Yes, most historians attribute the whirligig to the creativity of the farmer and sailor of the past, even though the history of the whirligig goes back to times well before Christ.
The focus of both the whirligig and wooden puzzle is to bring pleasure and laughter to those who are fortunate enough to have them. And, there are many types of whirligigs—button, string, friction, wind—but, wind powered “gigs” are certainly the most fun. Whether it’s a sailor with arms waving, a bird with wings furiously flapping, or sailboats endlessly revolving in circles as the wind propels them all. Or, on a calm day, it might be more fun to help your child learn his/her ABC’s putting an educational wooden puzzle together. Or, just seeing how fast they can put a 4 piece “Puppy Dog” puzzle together and stand it up for display!
Got an idea for a whirligig? Let me know!