and their interesting history
… the history of door knockers begins several thousand years ago in Ancient Greece.
Greeks were a bit picky about unannounced visits to their dwellings, and it was considered a breach of etiquette to enter without warning.
from Five Minute History
Where Spartans would simply shout their arrival, the more sophisticated Athenians preferred to use a door knocker.
Doors had replaced hangings to provide better safety and privacy, and upper-class Greeks had slaves whose sole purpose was to answer the door.
It’s a bit like having a butler, but one that was chained to the door to prevent them wandering off. If they didn’t die of boredom, they’d fall asleep, and so to wake them up, visitors rapped the door with a short bar of iron attached to a chain.
from Five Minute History
It wasn’t long before some Greeks realized the short bar made a good weapon with which to attack the householder. So property owners fought back with new technology.
The knocker evolved into a heavy ring fastened to the door by a plate—dual purpose knocker and handle!
from Five Minute History
One of the most enduring themes for knockers has been the lion’s head.
Traditionally regarded as the king of beasts, the lion’s head symbolizes bravery, nobility, strength, and valor.
Lion’s head knockers were popular in the American colonies up until the revolution when the Eagle took precedence.
from Five Minute History
So we encourage you to visit Bahoukas and take a peek at these wonderful cast iron door knockers.
They’re really fun and will most certainly have your guests stop and enjoy! Yep, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
