FALL IS IN THE AIR!!!!
Scarecrows are one of the more popular symbols of Fall and the harvest season. The origin of scarecrows dates back thousands of years, protecting ripening crops from birds. While we think of scarecrows as constructed of straw, they are made of many things. Among the earliest scarecrows were men hired to roam fields, to scare birds. If your job is to scare way birds, YOU are a scarecrow.
Scarecrows continue to be popular today, in many home gardens. They help to protect fruits and vegetables, as they begin to ripen. That's why scarecrows are so closely associated with the fall and harvest season, making them a popular symbol of Fall.
History of Scarecrows:
The first scarecrows were in Ancient Egypt, dating back over 3,000 years. They used scarecrows 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 scarecrows had special powers. Native Americans used scarecrows, to keep crows and other birds from their corn crops.
Did You Know? The Scarecrow is a villain in some Batman movies.
There is no right or wrong way to make a scarecrow, but if you have never made one try this:
Start with a long, garden stake or pole. It should have a pointed end, to push or pound into the ground. Add a shorter board or pole towards the top, to support and extend the scarecrow's arms. Use nails or rope, to fasten it to the long pole. Take old, ragged pants and shirt. Stuff the pants with straw. Now insert the long pole through one pant leg. Put the shirt sleeves through the cross pole and button it up. Now, stuff the shirt with straw. Then, tuck the shirt into the pants.
The head can be made of many things... use your imagination:
- An old burlap bag, with a face painted on is common.
- A small head-sized pumpkin with a face painted on.
- A pumpkin candy bucket from Halloween.
Add a straw hat, and you scarecrow is ready to scare away birds. Or, add it to your fall yard decorations.
The Most Famous Scarecrow: Without a doubt, the most famous scarecrow was in the Wizard of Oz (If only he had a brain).
HEMLOCK MIDDLE SCHOOL
Email: kienitz.kris@hemlockps.com
Website: hemlockps.com
Location: 525 North Maple Street, Hemlock, MI, USA
Phone: 989-642-5253