We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Entertainment

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Merry-Go-Round?

Jessica Ellis
By
Updated: May 23, 2024
Views: 18,009
Share

The merry-go-round, or carousel, is a spinning ride common in amusement parks and carnivals. The ride consists of a rotating platform with a variety of seating, often in the form of carved animals. The merry-go-round has existed in various forms since at least 500 CE, making it one of the oldest forms of rides still common today.

The first reference to a merry-go-round is from a Byzantine bas-relief, showing people riding in baskets around a central maypole. The name, carousel, derives from an Arabic and Spanish word meaning “little war” and referring to a courtly game where knights would ride horses, trying to grab clay balls or gold rings. This tradition continues today, with some modern merry-go-rounds featuring rings that can be grabbed and tossed at obstacles for prizes.

In the 18th century a wagon maker named Michael Dentzel began carving elaborate animals to serve as seats for riders. At this time, the ride worked through centrifugal force, with seats spinning out from a central point, rather than sitting on a revolving platform. The merry-go-round was operated by hand-operated cranks or animals turning the central pole in circles.

Dentzel sent his four sons to America to set up carousel enterprises in the new nation. This proved a tremendous success, and merry-go-rounds flourished in the United States throughout the 19th century. Although several other designers made their mark on the carousel industry, the Dentzel rides are considered by experts to be superior in design, craftsmanship and durability. The Dentzel carousels were also noted for their intricately carved and painted horses and exotic animals.

By the mid 19th century, the merry-go-round had evolved to use a steam operated central platform on which the carved seats were suspended from individual poles. Using mechanical innovations, these carousels were built with mechanisms for each seat that created an up-and-down motion, to resemble a galloping horse. Later innovations included double-decker carousels, which featured two levels of seating.

In the 20th century, the term merry-go-round became synonymous with a playground equipment of several kinds. Some urban merry-go-rounds are metal structures that riders hold onto as non-riders spin the entire structure. Others are miniature versions of regular carousels, and feature four metal or wooden animals that can be ridden. This variety is usually operated by means of a central spinner that riders push in one direction. Since most of these structures do not feature any sort of restraint or safety devices, accidents can occur as riders may fly off if the rides are spun fast enough.

The oldest merry-go-round still in existence was built in 1780 and stands in the Wilhelmsbad Park in Hanau, Germany. The tallest carousel at 262 ft (80 m) is the Himmelskibet in Tivoli Gardens, Denmark. Traveling at 18 mph (28 kph,) the recently restored Eldridge Park Carousel in Elmira, New York is believed to be the fastest in the world. Birmingham, New York, is referred to by some as the “Carousel Capital of the World,” as it features six different merry-go-rounds. The Birmingham carousels charge no admission, as the man who donated the rides grew up in poverty and wanted to make sure that every child got a chance to have a ride.

Merry-go-rounds are a symbol of nostalgia for many people. In literary depictions, they are often sources of magic and adventure. The long evolution and cheerful, innovative past of the merry-go-round makes it a continuing source of joy and amusement for many people.

Share
WiseTour is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Jessica Ellis
By Jessica Ellis
With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica Ellis brings a unique perspective to her work as a writer for WiseTour. While passionate about drama and film, Jessica enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics, creating content that is both informative and engaging for readers.
Discussion Comments
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica Ellis...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisetour.com/what-is-a-merry-go-round.htm
Copy this link
WiseTour, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseTour, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.