A short history of the scarecrow

  • By Kyle Valentini
  • August 27, 2010
  • 7199
                        
The use of scarecrows in fields and gardens as a means of protecting crops from birds was first noted in recorded history by the Egyptians who cultivated wheat along the Nile River. Using frames built of wood and covered with nets, farmers hid in their fields and scared quail into the nets. After capturing the quail they certainly became food for the Egyptian farmers. The Greeks carved wooden statues in the image of Priapus, son of the god Dionysus and goddess Aphrodite to protect their vineyards from birds. Priapus was believed to be very ugly and his hideous appearance was believed to have scared away the birds. The statues of Priapus eventually were painted purple. A club was added to one hand while the other hand held a sickle to symbolize a good harvest. The Romans learned of the Priapus scarecrows and through their travels shared the concept with England, Germany and France. While the Greeks and Romans were making scarecrows, the Japanese were making kakashis. Originally a bamboo pole that held dirty rags and noisemakers, the poles were set on fire and produced a smell that kept birds away from the rice fields. Some documentation supports the use of rotting meat on the kakashi as well. The word kakashi meant something that smells very bad. The Japanese eventually started making scarecrows that resembled people but continued to call them kakashi despite their lack of stench. The scarecrows were dressed in raincoats and straw hats. Some carried bows and arrows. Throughout history scarecrows have been believed to have special powers. Sometimes animal skulls were placed atop poles by Italian farmers with the belief they would scare away birds and disease. During the middle ages German farmers made wooden witches with the hope they would draw winter into them and allow spring to arrive. In medieval Europe scarecrows were actually live children. Called bird scarers or shooers, children no younger than 9 threw rocks, yelled and scared birds with loud wooden clappers. It is believed the death of so many children during the plague of 1348 led to the creation of the scarecrow we know of today. Old clothes are stuffed with straw and a gourd or pumpkin serves as a head. The scarecrows proved to be effective, although some children still worked in the fields until better paying jobs were made available during the industrial revolution. American colonists brought the tradition of the scarecrow with them from their native countries. German settlers were especially influential in creating the tradition of the scarecrow in their new home. The use of the scarecrow was popular until after WWII when chemicals to repel birds and pests replaced the protector of the field. Despite their long history, scarecrows are relatively ineffective as a means of keeping birds from eating newly planted seeds or ripe fruits. Birds get used to things quickly and unless the scarecrow is moved around constantly the birds will learn to use it as a perch, possibly even appreciating its fine location. Nonetheless, scarecrows are still used all over the world. The modern scarecrow has become an autumn decoration more than a tool for farmers or gardeners. It has entered popular culture in the form of books, comics, movies and music. Some people fear scarecrows and believe them to be evil but for most of us, the scarecrow is a symbol of a changing season. Their appeal is widespread and scarecrow festivals are popular all over the world. Making a scarecrow is easy and a great family project. Using things you probably have around the house, you can make a scarecrow with two pieces of wood screwed together in the form of a cross. Dress your scarecrow in old clothes, tying or sewing the arm and leg holes closed. Stuff your scarecrow with straw or newspaper. Give him a head made from a pillowcase, pantyhose, pumpkin or flowerpot. He may not scare any birds away but he will likely get a smile from the neighbors.


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