Whether they are spook-ified villains like in Batman or naïve and lovable travel companions like in the Wizard of Oz, scarecrows are a staple of the autumnal harvest season. They are categorized as “ephemerals” because they only come out to play in the crisp fall months between summer and winter, but, in truth, scarecrows are not ephemeral as they were created long ago and still exist today.
Stand Like an Egyptian?:
While they may be best known for their gigantic, majestic pyramids, don’t let that overshadow the Egyptians’ other equally majestic and important creation – the Scarecrow. The Egyptians were the first group of people in recorded history to use scarecrows, to protect their wheat fields along the Nile River. When the birds attempting to snack on their crops got a bit out of hand, they began covering wooden frames with nets in an effort to catch the pigeons that preyed on their wheat fields. These farmers hid in the fields and scared the birds into the nets – effectively (and literally) killing two birds with one stone: a protected crop and a nice dinner.
The Greeks Dressed Their Scarecrows in Togas:
Did the Greeks dress their scarecrows in togas? Maybe. We don’t know for sure. What we do know is that around 2500 BC, Greek farmers carved Priapus, one of their least attractive gods, into pieces of wood to scare birds away from their vineyards. Priapus was the god of fertility and horticulture and his image in the field may have simultaneously blessed the crop while frightening the birds.
The Romans Always Copying the Greeks:
When Roman armies marched through Europe, they introduced the Priapus scarecrow to their people.
Japanese Farmers – Rice and Raincoats:
Around the same time the Romans were taking the Greek scarecrows continent-wide, Japanese farmers were making Kakashi, their own take on the scarecrow, to protect their rice fields. These scarecrows were shaped like people and dressed in hats and raincoats. Kuebiko, the Shinto god of folk wisdom, knowledge, and agriculture, is represented in Japanese mythology as a scarecrow – He cannot walk, but knows everything about the world.
German Witches Were a Bit Stiff:
In Germany, wooden scarecrows were carved to resemble witches.
It Feels a Little Medieval:
During medieval times, Britain forewent the inanimate route and welcomed child labor. Young boys and girls ran through fields of crops to scare away the birds – tiring, but effective. Eventually, though, farmers stuffed sacks with straw and used painted gourds as heads. They leaned these straw men against poles to make them look like they were people standing.
Native Americans Were the First to say “Get Off My Lawn”:
Native Americans also opted for live scarecrows. Men would sit on raised platforms to shout at birds and other animals.
Good Ole’ US of A:
In the United States, immigrant farmers introduced “bootsamon” or “bogeyman”, human-like scarecrows dressed in old straw-stuffed clothes with a bandana tied around their necks. As Americans manifest destiny-ed their way across the country, scarecrows popped up all over the continent. This style of scarecrow stuck, with most western creations being stuffed with straw and donning old clothes.
Today, pesticides and more technologically advanced scarecrows (reflective ribbons, noise guns, etc.) are used in fields to protect crops. But scarecrows live on in our front yards as Halloween decorations and in festivals for competitions. The best thing about scarecrows is that they can be whatever you want them to be. In a plaid shirt and overalls. A pumpkin head. A painted burlap sack face. In a full suit and tie. Dressed as your favorite TV character. The possibilities are endless. Come check out what members of your community have come up with for their scarecrows at the Scarecrow Festival on October 10-15.
FAQs
About 2,500 B.C., Greek farmers carved wooden scarecrows in the image of Priapus, the son of Dionysus and Aphrodite, creating a “scarecrow” that was supposedly ugly enough to scare the birds away from their vineyards, ensuring a good harvest.
What is the myth of the scarecrow? ›
In Europe, scarecrows have long been tied to the supernatural boogeyman, a monster who is often depicted in tattered clothing. To a superstitious agrarian society, not only would scarecrows keep birds away from crops, but they could also scare children away from the fields where there might be strange things hiding.
What is a female scarecrow called? ›
They would also make a female version called "bootzafrau" or bogeywife, that they dressed in a long dress or coat and a sunbonnet. During the Great Depression, there were not many scarecrows seen. After World War II, farmers began using chemicals to protect their crops.
Why do farmers not use scarecrows anymore? ›
Now, most farmers have really big fields. A scarecrow will not keep all the deer away. Today, farmers use smelly or bad tasting sprays and fences to keep pests away from fields. Even in the garden, people today use other kinds of things to keep birds and deer away.
Who first used scarecrows? ›
While they may be best known for their gigantic, majestic pyramids, don't let that overshadow the Egyptians' other equally majestic and important creation – the Scarecrow. The Egyptians were the first group of people in recorded history to use scarecrows, to protect their wheat fields along the Nile River.
Did scarecrows actually work? ›
Not very—unless you're willing to put some extra effort into them. While traditional, motionless scarecrows do work against “pest birds” (e.g. crows and blackbirds), the effect is almost always temporary. Over time, the birds get used to stationary dummies and resume their destructive habits.
Why is scarecrow evil? ›
Jonathan Crane, a professor of psychology turned criminal mastermind. Abused and bullied in his youth, he becomes obsessed with fear and develops a hallucinogenic drug—dubbed "fear toxin"—to terrorize Gotham City and exploit the phobias of its protector, Batman.
Are scarecrows pagan? ›
A long time ago in Britain, scarecrows were burnt as sacrifices during Pagan ceremonies, to bring a good harvest. When Christianity arrived, this practice, like so many other old rituals, was stamped out because it was considered too debauched.
What are scary names for scarecrow? ›
Here are some of the suggestions:
- Jeck.
- Old Joe Croaker.
- Ostif (Outstanding in his field)
- Bob the Destroyer of Worlds.
- Edgar Allen.
- Dave.
- Tobias, Traitor to all Crowkind.
- Dreadbeak.
Dr. Jonathan Crane, also known as the Scarecrow, is a Gotham City supervillain and a major enemy of Batman. Created by Batman creators Bill Finger and Bob Kane, he first appeared in World's Finest Comics #3 (Fall 1941).
Jack-of-straw, scarebird, tattybogle, hay-man, mom met, gallybagger, showy-hoy… there are many different names for this familiar figure known as the scarecrow. Or, is it familiar?
Did Native Americans use scarecrows? ›
Native Americans have been found to use some form of scarecrows in Virginia and the Carolinas before the white man arrived. Adult men would sit on raised platforms and shout at the birds or ground animals and came near the crops. Scarecrows also came with the immigrant settlers, such as the Germans to Pennsylvania.
What animals are afraid of scarecrows? ›
For example, crows and blackbirds are easily scared off by scarecrows, but pigeons and seagulls are not as easily frightened. In general, scarecrows work best when used in combination with other bird deterrents.
Why are scarecrows on a cross? ›
Some (such as the authors of website Occult View) suggest that the scarecrow, in addition to mirroring Christ on the cross may have originally been a severe warning, a “no trespassing” symbol, likening it to the deeds of Vlad the Impaler (so named for his reported propensity for impaling and displaying enemies) or ...
What is a fact about scarecrows? ›
Interesting facts about scarecrows
The earliest scarecrows were found in Ancient Egypt. They stood guard over the river Nile to keep birds away from the crops. However, real people who were slaves were often used instead of straw. In the Middle Ages, scarecrows were believed to have special powers.
Why are scarecrows often associated with Halloween? ›
Scarecrows can be a fun and scary addition to any yard during Halloween. Egyptians were recorded as using scarecrows over 3,000 years ago. Originally used for scaring birds away from crops, they have now become symbols of Fall and the harvest season.
Why are crows scared of scarecrows? ›
Some scientists today claim that it's not the scarecrow, but the scent of people clinging to the clothes that keeps the birds away at first. But after the rain and the wind carry away these scents, the “scare” out of the scarecrow.
