In 1957, American artist Donald Featherstone designed the world’s first lawn flamingo, Diego. Pink was the en vogue accessory color at the time, and the flamingo’s unique hue paved the way to insane levels of popularity. We’re talking flamingo plates, wallpaper, posters, paintings, coloring books, you name it. At that point in time, the nation was in something of a flamingo craze. Pink flamingo ornaments are a fun way to spruce up your home or bring joy to friends and family, but how did they become so popular?Īs we have already discussed, pink flamingo ornaments first appeared on American lawns in the late 50s. The look on the recipient’s face when they wake up to it is priceless.
Usually, one would order a number of flamingos that corresponds with the age of the birthday boy or girl (so if they are turning 60, you get them 60 flamingos). The approach is quite similar to the charity flocking prank we discussed earlier. Flamingos in the yard for birthday meaningįlamingos in the yard are also a popular birthday surprise for loved ones. Unfortunately, we were unable to reach any swingers to confirm or deny this. A sizeable number of people believe that the ornaments are also used to signal that a home’s residents are active participants in the swinger community. There are a few other alleged meanings behind the front yard flamingo. In the end, the homeowner can nominate a neighbor or friend’s yard for the charity group to target. Each removal will cost the homeowner a certain amount. At this point, the charity group will ask for a donation in exchange for the removal of the flamingos. When the homeowner discovers the “flock” and the signs in the morning, he or she can contact the group and be informed about the charity, as well as how they can help. A sign that identifies the charity group and cause is also put in place. The charity groups wait until nightfall before invading selected yards and planting a ludicrous number of plastic flamingos in the front yard. One popular strategy used by these groups is an overnight “flocking” of an unsuspecting victim’s home. Many charitable groups and organizations use plastic flamingo “flocks” to raise funds for different causes. These dreams of ultimate relaxation spread throughout the country, and plastic flamingos were identified as the easiest way to turn homes into “beach houses”.Īfter a period of mainstream irrelevance, yard flamingos are back with a bang…this time for charity. Individuals living the American dream (at least in the mid to late 20th century) intended to spend their golden years on the state’s sun-soaked beaches, surrounded by flocks of pink flamingos. Then, plastic flamingos were kitsch items, cheap décor that added a dash of fun to the garden.įlamingos also represent Florida, a popular retiree destination. When plastic yard flamingos emerged in the 1950s, it was the climax of America’s post-WWII obsession with the graceful birds. Well, truth be told, the meaning of this practice is somewhat subjective as it depends on what the owner would like it to represent. Having a flamingo (or 50) in your front yard is one such tradition, and enquiring minds would like to know what that is all about. What does a pink flamingo in your front yard mean?Īmerica is home to some strange and, sometimes, downright ludicrous traditions and practices. Join us as we take a brief history lesson on this less-heralded American tradition, as well as the modern meaning of plastic lawn flamingos. They started as simple yard décor and were popularized by the era’s demand for pink objects. The meaning of pink flamingos in one’s yard has evolved drastically since the tradition began in the 1950s. They can represent several things, from birthdays to charity fundraisers. What does the pink flamingo in the yard represent, if it represents anything at all? If you drive through enough American neighborhoods, you are bound to come across yards adorned with plastic versions of an iconic bird.
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