Jigsaw puzzles have been a popular form of entertainment for centuries, providing hours of fun and challenge for people of all ages. But have you ever wondered about the history of these puzzles and what they were called before the term “jigsaw puzzle” became commonplace? In this article, we’ll explore the origins of jigsaw puzzles and uncover their original name, taking a fascinating journey through the history of this beloved pastime. So, if you’re ready to discover the surprising roots of jigsaw puzzles, keep reading!
Jigsaw puzzles have been around for centuries, with the earliest known puzzles dating back to the 15th century. However, the term “jigsaw puzzle” wasn’t used until the late 19th century. Prior to that, puzzles of this type were referred to as “dissected puzzles” or “dissection puzzles.” These puzzles consist of a picture or image that has been cut into small pieces, and the goal is to reassemble the pieces to form the complete image. Jigsaw puzzles have remained a popular form of entertainment and challenge for people of all ages, and they continue to be enjoyed by millions of people around the world today.
The History of Jigsaw Puzzles
Origins of Jigsaw Puzzles
Jigsaw puzzles have been around for centuries, with the earliest known examples dating back to the 16th century in Europe. These early puzzles were made of wood and were often used as a teaching tool for geography and maps. They were also used to depict scenes from mythology and religion. The name “jigsaw” puzzle is believed to have originated from the saws that were used to cut the pieces of the puzzle. These puzzles were called “dissected puzzles” or “jigsaw puzzles” because of the way the pieces fit together. The term “dissected” comes from the Latin word “dissecare,” which means “to cut apart.”
Evolution of Jigsaw Puzzles
During the 18th century, jigsaw puzzles began to be mass-produced in England. These early puzzles were often hand-crafted and consisted of simple designs, such as pictures of landscapes or buildings. However, as the demand for puzzles grew, so did the complexity of the designs.
In the Victorian era, jigsaw puzzles became a popular form of entertainment for both children and adults. They were often used as educational tools to teach geography, history, and other subjects. Puzzles with more intricate designs and themes, such as scenes from literature or mythology, were also produced during this time.
As technology advanced, so did the production of jigsaw puzzles. In the 20th century, puzzles became more complex and varied in design. Some puzzles even included movable parts, such as figurines or vehicles, which added an extra layer of challenge to the puzzle. Today, jigsaw puzzles continue to evolve, with new designs and themes being created all the time.
The Old Name for Jigsaw Puzzles
The Puzzle’s Original Name
Jigsaw puzzles, a popular pastime for people of all ages, have been around for centuries. However, many people may not know that the puzzles we enjoy today were not always called jigsaw puzzles. In fact, the original name for these puzzles was “dissected puzzles.”
This name was given to the puzzles because they were composed of multiple pieces that needed to be fitted together. The puzzle’s creator, John Spilsbury, originally created the puzzles as a teaching aid to help students learn about geography. The puzzles consisted of maps that had been cut into pieces, and students would have to fit the pieces together to complete the map.
The name “dissected puzzles” stuck, and over time, the puzzles evolved into the jigsaw puzzles we know today. The name “jigsaw” was added to the puzzles in the late 1800s, and the puzzles continued to evolve and become more popular over the years.
Today, jigsaw puzzles come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and difficulty levels, and they remain a popular pastime for people of all ages. Whether you enjoy completing puzzles as a way to relax or as a way to challenge your mind, there is no denying the appeal of these fascinating puzzles.
The Term “Jigsaw”
The term “jigsaw” has a rich history and an interesting origin. It was first used in the late 18th century, during a time when puzzles were becoming increasingly popular. The term is believed to have originated from the jig, a type of tool used in woodworking. The saw in the term refers to the sawing of the wooden pieces used in the puzzle.
In the 18th century, puzzles were made primarily from wood, and the jig was a tool used to create intricate shapes and designs. The term “jigsaw” was likely derived from the jig, as it accurately described the sawing motion required to create the wooden pieces for the puzzle.
The popularity of jigsaw puzzles continued to grow throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, and the term “jigsaw” became synonymous with puzzles that required the assembly of pieces. Today, jigsaw puzzles come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and difficulties, and remain a popular pastime for people of all ages.
The Connection to Woodworking
- Jigsaw puzzles were originally made of wood
Jigsaw puzzles have been around for centuries, with the earliest known puzzles dating back to the 17th century. These early puzzles were made of wood and were often used as educational tools to teach children about geometry and shapes. The name “jigsaw” is thought to have originated from the fact that the puzzles were made using a jig, which is a tool used in woodworking to create precise cuts. - The connection to woodworking is still present in modern jigsaw puzzles, which often feature intricate wooden designs
Even though modern jigsaw puzzles are no longer made exclusively of wood, the connection to woodworking is still evident in many of the designs available today. Many jigsaw puzzles feature intricate wooden designs, such as log cabins, barns, and trees, which pay homage to the origins of the puzzle. Additionally, some modern jigsaw puzzles are still made using wood as the medium, although less commonly than in the past. The connection to woodworking also extends to the precision required to complete a jigsaw puzzle, as the pieces must fit together perfectly, much like the pieces of a wooden jig.
Popular Jigsaw Puzzles
Classic Jigsaw Puzzles
Classic jigsaw puzzles have been around for centuries and remain a popular pastime today. These puzzles typically feature simple designs and a limited number of pieces, making them a great way to introduce children to the world of jigsaw puzzles.
Some of the most popular classic jigsaw puzzles include:
- Landscapes: Puzzles featuring beautiful scenery, such as mountains, forests, and bodies of water, are a classic choice for many puzzle enthusiasts.
- Animals: Puzzles featuring animals, such as cats, dogs, and wild animals, are also a popular choice for many people.
- Seascapes: Puzzles featuring boats, ships, and other nautical scenes are a classic choice for those who love the ocean.
- Famous Art: Puzzles featuring famous works of art, such as the Mona Lisa or The Starry Night, are a popular choice for those who appreciate art history.
Despite the popularity of more complex and modern puzzles, classic jigsaw puzzles remain a beloved pastime for many people. They offer a simple, yet challenging, way to spend time and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Complex Jigsaw Puzzles
Complex jigsaw puzzles are a type of puzzle that is designed to challenge even the most experienced puzzlers. These puzzles typically have a large number of pieces, with some even having hundreds or even thousands of pieces.
One of the main features of complex jigsaw puzzles is their intricate designs. These puzzles often feature detailed images or scenes that require careful attention to detail in order to complete. This level of complexity makes them a popular choice for those who enjoy a challenge and want to test their puzzle-solving skills.
In addition to their intricate designs, complex jigsaw puzzles can also take a significant amount of time to complete. Depending on the number of pieces and the level of difficulty, it can take hours or even days to finish a complex jigsaw puzzle. This can make them a fun and engaging activity for those who enjoy spending time working on puzzles.
Complex jigsaw puzzles are also popular because they offer a sense of accomplishment when completed. Finishing a puzzle with a large number of pieces can be a challenging and rewarding experience, and many people enjoy the sense of pride that comes with completing a difficult puzzle.
Overall, complex jigsaw puzzles are a popular choice for those who enjoy a challenge and want to test their puzzle-solving skills. With their intricate designs and large number of pieces, these puzzles offer a fun and engaging activity for puzzle enthusiasts of all levels.
Themed Jigsaw Puzzles
Themed jigsaw puzzles are a popular type of jigsaw puzzle that are based on a specific subject or theme. These puzzles can feature anything from landscapes to famous works of art, and they are a great way to learn about different subjects while enjoying the challenge of a jigsaw puzzle.
Some popular themes for jigsaw puzzles include:
- Nature: Puzzles featuring beautiful landscapes, animals, and plants.
- Art: Puzzles featuring famous works of art, such as paintings and sculptures.
- History: Puzzles featuring historical events, figures, and landmarks.
- Holidays: Puzzles featuring holiday scenes and icons.
- Sports: Puzzles featuring popular sports and athletes.
Themed jigsaw puzzles can be a great way to learn about different subjects while having fun. They can also be a great gift for someone who has a specific interest or hobby. Additionally, they can be a great way to spend time with family and friends, as they can be done together as a group.
FAQs
1. What is the old name for jigsaw puzzles?
Jigsaw puzzles were originally called “dissected puzzles” or “dissected maps.” The term “jigsaw” comes from the saw-like tool that was used to cut the pieces of the puzzle. This tool was called a “jigsaw,” and over time, the name of the tool became synonymous with the puzzle itself.
2. When were jigsaw puzzles first invented?
Jigsaw puzzles have been around since the 1700s, but the exact origin of the puzzle is unclear. Some historians believe that the first jigsaw puzzles were created in Europe during the 17th century, while others believe that they were invented in China during the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD).
3. Who invented the jigsaw puzzle?
The exact inventor of the jigsaw puzzle is also unknown. As mentioned earlier, there are several theories about the origin of the puzzle, and it’s possible that the jigsaw puzzle was invented independently by different people in different parts of the world.
4. What is the difference between a jigsaw puzzle and a puzzle?
A jigsaw puzzle is a specific type of puzzle that consists of a picture or image that is cut into small pieces, and the pieces are then reassembled to form the complete picture. Other types of puzzles include crosswords, Sudoku, and puzzles that involve manipulating objects to fit together.
5. What is the most famous jigsaw puzzle?
One of the most famous jigsaw puzzles is the “London Bridge” puzzle, which was created in the 1800s. The puzzle consists of 500 pieces and features a detailed image of the London Bridge. Another famous jigsaw puzzle is the “House of Stairs” puzzle, which was created by the artist M. C. Escher. This puzzle consists of 12 pieces that can be arranged in different ways to form a house with an infinite number of stairs.
