source:  unknown haveli

So I’ve been pouring through design magazines and websites for inspiration as we build our new home.  We’re contemplating putting in a jhoola (swing), and I found so many lovely images that I’m now wanting to put one in every room of the house!  Seeing these jhoolas takes me back to the summers I spent in India -  I’d nap or read on them or just play games with my cousins.

source:  Naureen Bokhari

A jhoola is a common element in many traditional Indian homes.  I particularly love the symbolism behind them:  it’s as though the chains of the jhoola are links with the heavens above.  (Now I’ll confess the Telugu word for swing is ooyala but since we don’t have very many common household words that start with the letter “jha,” we’ve adopted the Hindi word.  Plus, jhoola is just a beautiful word!)

Pictured above is a custom-designed jhoola by Jay Jeffers (my absolute favourite).  Below are 2 playroom-ready jhoolas: by Modern Convenience and the infamous Eero Aarnio hanging Bubble Chair .

And jhoolas can be modern too!  Check out the Wabi Lawn Swing by Italian-designer Francesco Rota.  (Source of image on the right is unknown).

Tags: Hindi, India, Telugu

9 Responses to ““jha” is for “jhoola””

1. Top 10 Posts of 2010 Says:
   December 31st, 2010 at 9:23 am

   [...] 9.  “jha” is for “jhoola” [...]

2. nida Says:
   March 17th, 2011 at 5:37 am

   Hi there, I loved reading about the jholas. I am looking a fancy indoor jholas the ones like you showed here … i was wondering if you can tell me where can i get them.

   thanks

3. Aruna Says:
   March 17th, 2011 at 12:09 pm

   They are fun, right?

   If you’re looking for one that hangs from the ceiling, you can actually just have it custom built – all you need is a strong wood slab, decorative chain and a handyman (but you may have to reinforce the ceiling beams with a steel support. Then you can have a cushion made.

   If you’re looking for a free-standing one, you can either try contacting a furniture store directly in India and have it shipped, or visit a world/asian imported furniture store in your area.

4. Catia Says:
   June 10th, 2011 at 1:46 pm

   Love your blog!
   Found through your comment on jhollas on ohdeedoh.
   Lots of great stuff and info.
   Now, let me go and explore some more

5. Aruna Says:
   June 10th, 2011 at 2:11 pm

   Welcome! Thanks for the feedback!

6. vandana Says:
   July 20th, 2011 at 11:12 pm

   i am interested in jhoola’s for my home .i want a jhoola with silver foil covered.so if you can help me in that

7. Indoor Baby Swings Says:
   October 7th, 2011 at 5:25 pm

   Indoor Baby Swings…

   [...]“jha” is for “jhoola”[...]…

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