From the classic carousel of the 19th century, this playing equipment evolved in many different types of carousels. What they all have in common is that they revolve around one or more centers and that they have different number of seats. Professional electric carousels are for public spaces, parks, playgrounds, schools and also kindergartens.
The history of the carousel is over 1500 years old when the first carousel was conceived in the Byzantine Empire, built around a pillar of which were tied true animal twigs that moved in the circle. On their backs there were baskets where the children were sitting. The strange construction appears on a Byzantine engraving dating from 500 AD. At the end of the 16th century, tournaments were replaced by the presence of the carousel in the public squares of the big cities.
The spiritual father of the amusement parks was Anton Pieck, whose name is also linked to a carousel that was powered by a steam engine. At the beginning of the 20th century, the amusement park industry experienced an explosion in Europe. Many emigrant sculptors have been inspired by the traditions of the countries they came from and launched new creations, turning children carousel history into a successful business. They were more and more beautiful, some of them having floors, and they were also moving faster and faster.
The word carousel is derived from the words "carosello" in Italian and Spanish, both meaning "little war," used to describe a game in which the 12th century Italian and Spanish crusaders competed with Arab riders. They used clay balls filled with scented water that they poured into their rivals. The losers of the competition were those who smelled of perfume, being thus recognized by all those who participated in these competitions. The Crusaders introduced this game to Europe where it spread in the 15th century. The French called it the carousel game, turning it into a grand event of public riding. Since only men participated in these competitions, local craftsmen invented some forward and backward figurines on which women and children could stay while the carousel was moving. This device was named carousel and became a form of competition at the European royal courts. Although sporadically used in the 1700s, in the early 1800s it became a means of entertainment commonly found on the two continents: Europe and America, registering several innovations by introducing as many animal figures as possible. The mechanism was moved through the crank and underwent many improvements over time.
These days carousels are unmissed from any playground, being one the most loved playing equipment by the children. Thus there is a big difference between the two types of carousels, the one for a school playground and one for big events and the big cities, the idea is the same. A carousel is an equipment destined for having fun and the kids just love it. And, let's not forget that these so loved carousels come in different colors, which make them so interesting for children, that can't wait to try them.