Article - Bringing Branded Gazebos into the 21st Century: XCO Group-Style
31 Mar 2020
Gazebos of various types and descriptions have been used in gardens, public parks, and other recreational outdoor spaces for a very long time. These existed long before commercially branded merchandise – including the branded gazebo – became an essential and popular promotional product in the 21st century.
Ancient Insignia
Some form of brand insignia did feature on surviving historical relics, so one might claim that branded goods did exist in the very distant past. Such ancient brand markings were intended to signify the name or region of the producer of the contents of branded containers and vessels, or the ownership thereof. Branded containers are thought to have held sought-after trade goods, like wine, oil, salt, rare spices, fragrant formulations, ointments, and potions used for ancient medicinal or beauty treatments. Little could these ancient, proud businessmen have dreamt that many millennia later, brands and branded merchandise – the modern version of trade goods and business custom – would become integral to the highly competitive world of commerce.
When It Wasn’t All in the Name
There appears to be some speculation and uncertainty about the exact origin of the name of this distinctive structure, the gazebo. However, the recorded appearance of gazebos in ancient times by cultures that kept such records does indicate that these structures are nothing new. According to one source, the earliest known structures were akin to towers that rose above the roofs of buildings, from where the occupants had a lofty, elevated view of the town or village and all the surrounding countryside. One may assume that their purpose was possibly defensive, as an early-warning system of approaching hostile forces.
Gazebos Throughout the Ancient World
It is said that the ancient Egyptians had a different use for their ground-based gazebos. Their structures housed vines, fruit-producing trees, and flowers. They were thus built near a water source to keep these plants alive with ease in an arid, desert climate. Ancient Persians were known for their breathtakingly beautiful gardens, where extensive use was made of the gazebo. It was also a place of peace and relaxation and served as a semi-sheltered outdoor space in which to welcome important persons or sign agreements, such as treaties and trading contracts.
In the East, these structures were made of wood, as were most buildings at the time. Wooden structures were more likely to withstand the earthquakes that occurred across the region. In the event of a serious earthquake, this material possibly caused fewer fatalities from falling debris than would otherwise have been the case. In true classic Greek tradition and architectural style, ancient Greek gazebos were objects of classical beauty that functioned as outdoor public places, often built near temples for relaxation, thought, or meditation. Typical of the Greek architecture of the time, extensive use was made of marble in their construction, which complemented the pure, clean appearance of the nearby temple.
During the Middle Ages, when classes were deeply divided, not much consideration was given to relaxing outdoor spaces and structures, not until very much later. The Victorians were particularly fond of ornate designs in almost all their society’s buildings and structures. Gazebos, as permanent structures, once again reappeared in Victorian private gardens, on estates of the wealthy classes, near frequented public buildings, in public parks, and outdoor areas that offered picturesque views.
Big Comeback
The gazebo is back, in a big way, and there it remains today, in a somewhat different guise – the great branded version of a successful promotional, marketing and advertising vehicle that once served many different purposes from those most commonly associated with 21st-century awareness and display of businesses, their brands and their promotional steps to success. Contact us today and we’ll happily give you a quote for one of our branded gazebos.