Rocking Chairs, Gliders

A rocking chair or rocker is a chair with two curved bands of wood (also known as rockers) attached to the bottom of the legs (one on the left two legs and one on the right two legs). more...

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This gives the chair contact with the floor at only two points granting the occupant the ability to rock back and forth by shifting his/her weight or pushing lightly with his/her feet. Many find rocking chairs soothing because of the gentle rocking. Rocking chairs are also comfortable because when one sits in one without rocking the chair automatically rocks backwards until the sitter's center of gravity is met thus granting the ergonomic benefit that the occupant is kept at a very unstressed position and angle. Varieties of rockers include those mounted on a spring base (or platform) called "platform rockers" and those with swinging braces commonly known as gliders.

The rocking chair was porportedly invented by Ben Franklin by simply taking a standard chair and adding rockers to it. It was quickly improved upon by various manufacturers and by the early 1800's was a common fixture in most well to do homes. Its popularity has only increased and today antique rockers of all varieties are highly sought after.

Cultural meaning

Rocking chairs are often associated with seniority and grandparents. They are also associated with parenting, the gentle rocking motion often soothing and quieting a fussy infant.

Read more at Wikipedia.org