The cars in the driveway, trees in the lawn, and flowers in the gardens are some common views of a yard. But what if you see a flock of pink flamingo statues covering the yard? Don't worry, a yard full of pink flamingo statues is actually a good sign. Generally, this is a prank by a loved one to wish you good luck, but there can be other meanings associated with it. Read on to know the other meanings of flamingos in the yard and the history behind it.
What is the Significance of Flamingos?
Flamingos are elegant birds with long, curved necks and bright pink feathers. These features make them stand out and attractive. The plastic flamingos were once a symbol of fun, whimsy, and a love for open roads. They also symbolise balance, elegance, and potential, and therefore, many people use them as a decoration in their yard.
History of Yard Flocking
The flamingo yard flocking prank started in the mid-1980s, before which the plastic flamingos were used just as a decoration in the yard. The first plastic flamingo was made in 1957 in Leominster, Massachusetts, by a sculptor named Don Featherstone.
Featherstone was hired by a company named Union Plastics to make plastic flamingos. However, people began to realise that the material was cheap and flimsy, and harmful to the environment. Hence, plastic flamingos became a rare sight.
Even though plastic pink flamingos went out of style for a while, they became popular again in the mid-1980s. The elite upper class started using them as a prank and not a decorative item. They also used them as themes for charity events, surprising people with their uniqueness. Soon, these plastic pink flamingos spread and started to show up in people's yards. Some used it as pranks, while others used it to congratulate or wish the homeowners.
What Do Flamingos in the Yard Actually Mean?
If you find flamingos in your or your neighbor's yard, it can have multiple meanings:
Decoration
The flamingos can be used as a decoration to add a touch of fun and personality to even a simple home. They are bright, fluorescent pink colored plastic flamingos that look fun and quirky in the garden. A lot of parks in America are also decorated with these cheerful-looking flamingos. These decorations have become synonymous with lovers of kitschy knick-knacks.
To Wish Good Luck
If you find flamingos in your yard in the morning, don't be overwhelmed. Someone you know might be trying to make your day special. These beautiful pink flamingos are used by loved ones as a sign of celebration or to wish you on a special occasion.
Flamingos can be used to wish loved ones on their birthdays, anniversaries, new baby, graduation, wedding, holiday, new home, promotion, or retirement. No matter what the occasion is, the motive is to spread joy and laughter for everyone.
To Raise Donations
Yard flocking with flamingos is a fun way to raise money for a charity or for a good cause. You, along with your friends, can place a flamingo in neighbor'sneighbor's yard or other friends' yards, attaching a sign with a clear message. The sign could indicate that if they donate $10, the flamingo will be removed. But if they donate $15, they can choose whose yard the flamingo goes to next. It's an interesting way to raise funds.
It will encourage people to be a part of something meaningful while keeping the task of collecting donations simple and effective.
Sign to Host a Party
If you have a friendly relation with the neighbors, everyone can collectively come to the idea of using flamingo to share about an upcoming gathering. Anyone who is planning to host any gathering, like a summer party, game night, or any other fun activity, can let everyone know by displaying a flamingo in their yard.
Everyone can buy a flamingo to keep in their home, or the community can buy it together and share it. This is an interesting way to inform the neighborhood without the hassle of sending invitations.
Final Words
Understanding the significance of flamingos in the yard is important for their appropriate use. The best thing about flamingo flocking is that you can use it your way. It is not compulsory to follow the conventional symbol of these flamingos. Rather little deviation to use it for decoration, prank, and for charity can add a new meaning to flamingos.