Origins of door knockers

A knocker is a piece of furniture that allows people outside a house to alert those inside of their presence. It has a part fixed to the door, and a part (usually metal) that is fixed to the door by means of a hinge that rises and is used to hit a plate placed on the door, making noise. Strike plate, if present, would be supplied and fitted with the hasp. Door knockers are usually ornate, but may be no more than a simple accessory with a metal ring or hoop. Many older period houses and mansions often have intricate door knockers in the shape of mythical human heads or beasts. Previous designs were based on statues that would be placed in front of ancient Greek houses. These statues were created with distorted and grotesque features and were thought to be used to ward off evil spirits and witches. This is also true of gargoyles, which have similar cartoonish faces, to prevent spirits and ghosts from entering the house. There were also ‘good luck’ knockers, which were thought to have magical or healing properties and were used to encourage good luck in the home. These knockers used a good luck charm motif, such as horseshoes, stars, suns, and flowers. The popular hand-shaped knocker is often seen in Muslim countries and was believed to symbolize the Hand of Fatima that protected the house from evil. It was also thought to indicate that the occupants of that house were followers of the Muslim faith.

Formerly there were two different hand knockers, one male and one female, as it was considered inappropriate for the woman of the house to open the door for a man. Visitors would use the knocker according to their gender. Each knocker would make a different sound, so the woman of the house would know whether to open the door or not. These genre-based door knockers have become less popular in modern times.

Door knockers have been used to symbolize everything from hospitality to good luck and warding off evil spirits. With recent hardware technology, more iconic door knockers can be made by turning metal into intricate designs. Some door knockers also come with a viewing lens for home security. With all these new design options available, it would seem that people would be flocking to metalworkers to design a variety of different door knockers for their homes, but most modern homes prefer the classic knocker or crescent moon knocker. found in hardware stores or online.

Door knockers are more popular in England than in any other country and can be found everywhere, even in the most remote places. However, the history of door knockers begins several thousand years ago in Ancient Greece. Although intricate door knockers are popular these days, the origin of that knocker can be something much more real than just “looking good” on the door. The Greeks were a bit picky about unannounced visits to their homes. It was considered a violation of etiquette to enter a home without warning. Where the Spartans simply shouted their arrival, the more sophisticated Athenians preferred to use a knocker. The doors had replaced the flexible curtains for added security and privacy. The upper-class Greeks had slaves whose sole purpose was to open the door. It’s a bit like having a butler, but one that was chained to the door to keep them from leaving. If they did not die of boredom, they fell asleep and, to wake them, visitors knocked on the door with a short iron bar tied to a chain. It soon occurred to everyone that the iron bar could be used as a weapon. To avoid unwanted attacks, they soon learned to fasten the bar to the door with a hinge. This is how the modern door knocker evolved.

Choosing new door hardware

For a selection of door knockers to suit any décor, there are many sources of information available. Choose a style you like, including round, lever style, or a custom design. There are many different finishes available. They include brass, chrome, stainless steel, and various other finishes. It is important that a good quality item is selected for outdoor use. Keep in mind that you get what you pay for. Interior doors are not that important when choosing quality, but interior and exterior doors and hardware will last longer if selected with quality in mind. This includes the lock, hinges, door latch, and car lights, if any.