Learn more fun facts on the National Hammock Day Video Page.
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National Hammock Day swings into action every July 22, celebrating the ultimate symbol of relaxation and leisure. Originating with the Mayans, hammocks offer a perfect escape for napping, reading, or simply enjoying the outdoors. Find your favorite spot, string up a hammock, and drift into blissful comfort.
Want to sponsor National Hammock Day? Learn how
Expected National Hammock Day Deals
As National Hammock Day approaches, expect a wave of promotions from outdoor retailers and home goods stores. In past years, brands like ENO (Eagle Nest Outfitters), Hammock Gear, and Grand Trunk have offered discounts on their popular portable and camping hammocks. Major retailers such as L.L.Bean, REI, and Wayfair often feature sales on backyard hammocks, stands, and accessories, while Amazon typically rolls out deals on a wide range of styles. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as July 22 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Hammock Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalHammockDay. Share photos of your favorite hammock spots, creative setups, or serene moments of relaxation.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalHammockDay. Create short videos showcasing DIY hammock hacks, funny relaxation fails, or stunning nature views from your hammock.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalHammockDay. Ask your community to share their dream hammock destinations or tips for achieving peak relaxation.
National Hammock Day Hero
The Mayans
History of National Hammock Day
Since the 13th century, humans have enjoyed napping and resting in hammocks that have been tied together between two trees. The word “Hammock” originated from a Taino culture Arwakan word meaning “fishnet”. The name is also derived from the Hamack tree because hammocks used to be woven from their bark. Though hammocks are used around the world, their popularity is arguably at its peak in Latin America, and some say that hammocks embody the ‘relaxed’ lifestyle traditional to those countries and the Caribbean.
It was invented by the native-born people of Middle and South America, who called them “Hamacas”, in the Taino language. Columbus first encountered the hammock in the Bahamas. He observed in 1492 that “people were sleeping in nets between the trees”. He brought the hammock back to Europe where sailors started using it extensively because swinging while suspended in the air led to better sleep than they were previously experiencing on the dirty ship floor.
Nowadays the hammock serves as a bed to some or a symbol of leisure to others. Popular brands like ENO have made hammocking stylish with their sleek materials and colors. Many people today would consider hammocking a social activity, or a place for personal relaxation. Hammocking can be a fun way to spend time with the people you are closest to.
National Hammock Day timeline
The Mayans invent hammocks at some point within this time frame.
The first record of hammocks appears after Columbus ‘discovers’ them in Latin America.
The Royal Navy adopts the sling hammock as the official bed for their sailors.
The US Marine Corps utilizes ‘jungle hammocks,’ or hammocks sprayed with insecticide, in tropical jungle regions like Burma during World War II.
Some states, like California and Maryland, begin to ban hammocks in public parks and on University campuses to protect the trees.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Hammock Day
Local businesses can tap into National Hammock Day by creating relaxing zones. Cafes can set up a few hammocks in their outdoor seating areas, offering ‘Hammock & Coffee’ specials. Retailers selling outdoor gear can host a ‘Hang Your Hammock’ workshop or offer discounts on their hammock inventory. Spas and wellness centers can promote relaxation packages that include time in a serene, hammock-equipped space, encouraging patrons to truly unwind.
National Hammock Day Traditions
What’s better than hammocks? Getting to celebrate them by simply relaxing in them. Lying in a hammock is an activity enjoyed by almost everyone and can be done almost anywhere. The tradition for National Hammock Day is to relax and let the hammock sway and soothe us.
Some hammocks can fit multiple people so feel free to double up the fun. If you are territorial and don’t wish to share but still want to make it social, stackable hammocks are also a thing.
National Hammock Day By The Numbers
42 feet – the size of the largest hammock in the world in North Carolina.
10,000 feet – the length of the rope used for the largest hammock in the world in North Carolina.
8000 pounds – the weight that the largest hammock in the world, in North Carolina, can hold.
15th century – the period in which Christopher Columbus discovered hammocks.
492 feet – the height at which a hammock in Utah hangs over a great canyon.
$50,000 – the cost of mounting and running the hammock in Utah over a canyon.
250 kilograms – the weight that the most expensive hammock in the world can hold.
$35,000 – the price of the most expensive hammock in the world.
500 – the number of plastic bags that can be recycled to make a hammock.
National Hammock Day FAQs
When is National Hammock Day?
National Hammock Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, July 22, inviting everyone to take a break and enjoy some well-deserved rest.
Where did hammocks originate?
Hammocks originated with the Mayans in Central and South America, who crafted them from tree bark for sleeping and resting. The word ‘hammock’ itself is derived from ‘hamaca,’ the Mayan word for the tree bark used.
What are the benefits of using a hammock?
Hammocks offer numerous benefits, including improved sleep by conforming to the body’s natural curves, reduced pressure points, and a gentle rocking motion that can aid relaxation. They are also portable and versatile for outdoor use.
What are the different types of hammocks?
Hammocks come in various types, including rope hammocks (classic, breathable), fabric hammocks (comfortable, often quilted), camping hammocks (lightweight, durable), and chair hammocks (seated, space-saving). Each offers a unique experience.
HOW TO CELEBRATE
Put up your hammock
Find two sturdy, conveniently located trees or posts and set up your hammock. The versatile slings are now popping up as interior decor. They’ve been spotted adorning the walls of some of our favorite shops, homes, and hotels. So you can even celebrate Hammock Day indoors. Whether you’re indoors or out, putting up a hammock creates a perfect oasis.
Grab a towel and head to the beach
Don’t have a hammock? No worries. Improvise. Grab your favorite beach towel or picnic blanket and head to your nearest beach or park. You may not be relaxing in the air, but you’ll still be relaxing, and that’s the whole point of the day!
Bring a hammock to work
Yep, hammocks at work are becoming all the rage. Some of the world’s best known companies decided to think outside the box, so they placed hammocks over plush carpet so that their employees can recharge for the second half of the day. Feeling rested is the cornerstone of productivity. Don’t forget to get your boss’ permission first.
5 FACTS ABOUT HAMMOCKS
Hammock by name
“Hammock” is a popular English Surname. It was anglicized, originating in Spanish, before it was translated to English.
It’s golden
In the Museum of Gold in Bogotá, Colombia, there is a miniature hammock made of pure gold. You can’t touch this hammock, but it is beautiful to behold.
A mountain view
You can sleep in a giant hammock in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Maria mountains. ‘Casa Elemento’ is a picturesque mountain hostel in Colombia, that allows hostel guests to sleep outside, in a giant hammock that can fit up to 15 people.
An indoor hammock
You can relax in an indoor hammock cafe in Tokyo. ‘Mahika Mano’ is one of the first hammock-themed cafes in Tokyo. It is located in Kichijoji, and you can sip tea and eat, and the hammocks double as chairs.
A bad idea
In the 19th century, the British prison system adopted the hammock in an attempt to replace jail cell cots. The hammocks were soon taken away, because the prisoners would use the large brass hooks and rings - that connected the hammocks - as makeshift weapons.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL HAMMOCK DAY
You get some me time
You go to work for eight hours, come home, and have to cook dinner. If you’re a parent, you have to take care of your child on top of all of that. Life can be so hectic, so self-care is very important. On National Hammock Day, you get to take a break from all that craziness and recharge.
You get to unplug
We could all use a few minutes away from our smart phones and computers. Participating in the national holiday allows you to unplug from technology, relax, get outside and get some fresh air. But if you must bring your phone, turn off your ringer and turn up your playlist.
Adult naps
You have to admit, taking midday naps was the one of the best things about being a kid. National Hammock Day is a day where you can indulge in a guilt-free adult nap. A short nap of 20-30 minutes can help to improve mood, alertness and performance.
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