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Babies and children love movement. As infants, they love to sway. In  childhood, they need to move. Swinging on a swing set is often one of life’s most cherished childhood memories. But how did we get started playing on swings?

swinging on a swing
Woman sitting on a swing in Hagia Triada, Late New Palace period (1450-1300 B.C.),

Various cultures have invented playful contraptions for swinging throughout ancient civilizations and up to modern day. But the Greeks seemed to have captured it from the earliest years.

The Invention of Swings

As early as the 5th Century B.C. Greek artists known for vase paintings in that era have captured children and women swinging on swings.

In the U.S., pioneer families made swings using wooden sticks and rope tied to a tree to let their children frolic during down times while they traveled the prairies in their cupboard wagons.

belt swing seat
Once upon a time, a long time ago…Photo credits: Victoria and Albert Museum

Over the centuries swings have been made out of many materials: tire replacement jungle swingsswings; natural swings made from vines; sticks/wood; steel; and rope swings: a rope made from a long, very thick rope and knotted at the end.

We eventually began to design  safer and more standardized swings in the late 1800s. Modern swings sets and other playground equipment can be directly attributed to the successful implementation of child labor laws. It seems that the natural progression from making children work in factories was instead, letting them play.

Backed by women and educators, there was a public outcry for safe spaces in which children could play during the day. Thus, the modern playground emerged.

The heart of the local playground was born and many associations with it, including the Outdoor Recreation League; The National Playground Association; and The National Recreation Association. The institutions provided playground equipment and recommendations for schools.

During the Great Depression, the government continued to fund playgrounds, aware of the necessity for play during the downtrodden economic times.

Swings of Today

During the earlier years of the 20th century, most playground equipment was made of steel, making for some rather unsafe play. It wasn’t until a fairly recent revolution, in the 1970s, when it began to be recommended that “softer” materials, like wood and plastic should be used.

swings for kids
Swings of today

It was then that redwood became popular for long-lasting play sets; and colorful plastic was implemented for use on swings. In fact, Kid’s Creations belt swings are coated with plastisol to eliminate finger pinching.

Due to the these changes, playground injuries became fewer and fewer. Modern implementations and safer structures continue to be examined in order to make one of the most useful and happy childhood memories a practical way to play safely.

Will Swings Continue to Evolve on the Playground?

The history of swinging is certainly an interesting one and will undeniably continue to evolve as we grow and learn more about the importance of childhood play and activity. Regardless of how swings change over the years, they will always put a smile on the face of children.

swings
Swings have been around longer than you might think. 

old replacement swings replace belt swing seats

2 responses to “History of Swings: From Ancient Greece to Modern Playgrounds

Posted by Cerys Smith

I need to find facts about swings

Posted on August 24, 2017 at 5:41 pm

Posted by Sheila jacklin

Swings have their origins in the Ancient Hindu culture of India 3000 BCE and had and still have a spiritual significance.

Posted on May 20, 2018 at 10:38 pm

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