A gnome is a mythical, humanoid-looking being often depicted in folklore and literature as a cheerful, helpful, and wise creature.

Gnomes stand at about 6-30 Inches in height and are known for their distinct characteristics, namely their plump bodies and rosy cheeks. 

In recent times, however, gnomes have garnered significant popularity as lawn ornaments. You might have passed by a house in your neighborhood with one of these tiny, clay or plastic-made figurines - you might have passed by several houses!

Gnomes stay still during the day. Mostly because had they been out and about, humans would have declared them as sights to be seen in zoos. Whatever the reason, gnomes are usually living their lives at night. 

In a way, gnomes are nocturnal and smaller versions of humans!

Gnomes Night Schedule

Like humans, Gnomes are social creatures, and they love to be on and about their day - or night. During the day, you wouldn't see gnomes moving around and attending to their business. However, once the lights are off, they stretch their arms and begin their day. 

They could be thought of as nocturnal beings with good reason. They clock in for the night shift. Gnomes have a natural hierarchy established. However, it's hardly ever (if at all) a dictatorship. 

The leader of the gnomes assembles them at night and dictates tasks for each gnome to carry out. For example, bringing food, tending the lawn, etc.

Once they've finished their tasks, the gnomes will retreat underground in their secret cave concealed to humans. 

Their cave is far from luxurious, but it is comfy enough for the gnomes. Here, they gather their provisions and have a feast.

They exchange details of their day, talk about things at their respective houses, discuss issues in the neighborhood, and so forth. 

In effect, it's a lot similar to what humans would do. Gnomes also stay true to the French tradition and can be found tending to their owner's garden, pulling out weeds, watering the plants, sowing seeds, and so forth.

They also patrol the inside of the house and check the locks to ensure that the family stays protected for the night. However, you wouldn't see a gnome locking the front door.

You'll hear them creaking around instead, which is usually an indication by the gnome itself to check the locks. 

Types of Gnomes & What They Do

•  Garden Gnomes - These gnomes can be found as either decorative lawn ornaments or smaller gnomes that hide or camouflage themselves in the garden during the day and come out at night. They tend to the garden.

• Dune Gnomes - Dune gnomes are found in deserts and drier climates. They move dunes to make way for travelers.

• Forest Gnomes - Forest gnomes can be lurking in the woods with other mythical creatures such as fairies and nymphs. They're seen as older and wiser dwellers often coming in to resolve disputes between other beings. 

• Mythical Gnomes - For the Germans, gnomes represent protectors. Their word of origin translates to dwellers, and they were thought to protect the underground treasure.

Gnome & Where They Come From

Germany currently stands strong as being the largest buyer of decorative garden gnomes as lawn ornaments, with over 25 million sales being made.

The fact that a German, Philipp Griebel, was the first to introduce the concept of garden gnomes, therefore, doesn't come as a surprise. 

Philipp Griebel created his first batch of garden gnomes in the mid-1800s, and within a decade, countries from all over the world were importing gnomes from Germany.

Their popularity rose so much that nobles in England would flaunt their decorative garden gnomes. 

Concurrent with their rising popularity as figurines, the French thought that garden gnomes are a lot more than just decorative ornaments.

They believed that they had the power to attract good luck and fortune to the house they were 'guarding.'

This idea was well-founded in folklore, with gnomes being depicted as helpful and cheerful creatures. But some are evil.

Conclusion

Gnomes are not visible to most humans, except those who can see them or catch them in the act. They are nocturnal, therefore, rarely seen during the day.

During the night, they socialize, have feasts, and help their owners out.