Since ancient times, Man has used scarecrows to keep crows and other birds out of fields of corn and many other crops. The birds don’t care if it has a smiley face or a mad one. The birds see their presence as a danger and fly away. And while the birds may be afraid, most of us see scarecrows as friendly. If you have little ones, or just want a more lighthearted Fall and Halloween display, add a friendly scarecrow or two. They are fun and easy to make. The kids will just love playing in the straw, as you put them together.
They are a huge symbol of Fall and the harvest season. They look great on display, from early Fall, all the way to Thanksgiving.
The first scarecrows were in Ancient Egypt, dating back over 3,000 years. They used them to protect wheat fields along the Nile River from quail. The Greeks, Romans, Japanese, and many other cultures, used them to protect their crops, too. Many forms of scarecrows, from life-sized wooden carvings of scary men to real-live humans, were used. In the Middle Ages, Europeans believed they had special powers. Also, Native Americans used them, to keep crows and other birds from their corn crops.
Question for Today: Why did a scarecrow win the Nobel prize?… Because he was outstanding in his field!
Definition of a scarecrow: That which frightens without doing physical harm.
In the Middle ages, Europeans believed they had special powers.
The most famous scarecrow: In the Wizard of Oz. He was played by Ray Bolger, who also played the ranch hand “Hunk”.
Sohodo-no-kami is the god of scarecrows. (I didn’t know they needed a god)
Formidophobia is the fear of scarecrows
The first known scarecrows were in ancient Egypt.
It’s easy to make a scarecrow. They are usually made of sticks and dressed in clothes. They are stuffed with straw and have a straw hat on their head.
Start with some old clothes and a bale of straw. Stuff the clothes with straw. Assemble the scarecrow, by running a pole inside to the pants and shirt. Push the pole deeply into the ground. Finish up, by adding the head, and a straw hat.
Tip: For a great display, sit them atop of a bale of straw. And, of course, include a few pumpkins in the display.
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