Let’s go round and round: the history and science behind carousels
The carousel has a rich history rooted in 12th-century Turkish and Arabian cavalry training games. Over time, these 'little war' exercises evolved into the amusement park rides known today, featuring iconic wooden horses.
Why it matters
It provides cultural and historical context to a common amusement park attraction, highlighting the evolution of human leisure.
How do you feel when you are on a merry-go-round? Is it exhilarating? Do you feel a sense of boundless joy? Or are you one of those who end up feeling giddy? Each one of us experience it differently and our own experiences too might vary from time to time.
Have you, however, ever wondered as to why these rides predominantly have horses, and not, say, cows or elephants? You might have been tempted to associate the speed and thrill of the ride with that one might experience while riding a horse, but there’s actually a deeper connection.
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