Knocker Origins

A door knocker is a piece of door furniture that allows people outside a home to alert those inside to their presence. It has a part fixed to the door, and a part (usually metal) that is attached to the door by means of a hinge that rises and is used to hit a plate embedded in the door, making a noise. The striker, if present, will be supplied and fitted with the latch. Door knockers are often ornate, but may be nothing more than a simple accessory with a metal lentil or ring. Many houses and mansions from older times often have intricate knockers in the shape of human heads or mythical beasts. Earlier 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 cartoon faces, to prevent spirits and ghosts from entering the house. There were also “good luck” knockers, which were believed to have magical or healing properties and were used to encourage good luck in the home. These knockers used a motif of good luck charms such as horseshoes, stars, suns, and flowers. The popular hand 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 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 or not she should open the door. These gender-based knockers have become less popular in modern times.

Door knockers have been used to symbolize everything from hospitality to good luck to warding off evil spirits. With recent hardware technology, more iconic door knockers can be made by twisting metal into intricate designs. Some door knockers also come with a visor lens for home security. With all these new design options available, it would seem that people would flock to metalworkers to design a variety of different knockers for their homes, but most modern homes prefer the classic ring knocker or crescent moon knocker. found at 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 origins of that knocker can be something much more majestic than just ‘looking good’ on the door. The Greeks were a bit picky about unannounced visits to their homes. It was considered a breach of etiquette to enter a dwelling without warning. Where the Spartans simply shouted their arrival, the more sophisticated Athenians preferred to use a door knocker. Doors had replaced flexible hangings to provide added security and privacy. 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 walking away. If they didn’t die of boredom, they fell asleep, and to wake them up, visitors banged on the door with a small iron bar attached to a chain. It soon occurred to everyone that the iron bar could be used as a weapon. To prevent unwanted attacks, they soon learned to fix the bar to the door using a hinge. Thus evolved the modern knocker.

Choosing new door hardware

For a selection of door knockers to suit any decor, there are many sources of information available. Choose a style you like, including round, toggle style, or a custom design. Many different finishes are 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 as important when choosing quality, but interior and exterior doors and hardware will last longer if selected with quality in mind. When selecting new hardware, be sure to coordinate by color, material, and style. This includes the car’s lock, hinges, latch, and lights, if any.