Do Scarecrows Really Scare Crows?

We may see them propped up on porches, hanging around fall festivals or welcoming visitors to farms, but scarecrows have a rich history of responsibility stretching far beyond seasonal décor. Uncover the past of our straw-filled friends, then put on your creative caps as you design and construct a scarecrow of your own!

Where Do Scarecrows Come From?

While scarecrows may not be the first thing that comes to mind if someone brings up ancient Egypt – the pyramids probably take the top spot on that list – Egyptians are the first group of people on record to use scarecrows to protect their fields. However, they looked nothing like the scarecrow we are familiar with today, and often involved using nets to spook and even trap birds looking to turn their crops into a nice meal.

Egyptians were not the only people in history to come up with unique ways to protect their fields by scaring away hungry birds. Greek and Roman farmers used wood carvings to protect their vineyards. Japanese farmers even made their own scarecrow, called Kakashi, with a humanoid shape. Germans took a similar approach with humanlike scarecrows designed to resemble witches and thought to ward off evil! Over time, each of these unique interpretations have shaped what we know today as the scarecrow.

Build a Not-So-Spooky Scarecrow

Despite their frightening name, scarecrows are now often pleasant signs of a plentiful autumn and used as decoration rather than to scare off pesky birds. With a few simple supplies, a little imagination and the help of an adult, you can create your very own!

Start by gathering some old clothes (you won’t want to wear them again once they’re full of straw), a pillowcase or burlap sack, straw, twine and either a wooden “T”-shaped frame to stand up the scarecrow or a chair for your scarecrow to sit on. Then, get to building by stuffing the clothes full of straw and using the twine to tie off any holes – you don’t want your scarecrow to lose their stuffing! Use the straw and burlap sack or pillowcase to make a head and attach the individual pieces until it starts to resemble a person.

Once you assemble your scarecrow, think like an innovator by asking how you can continue to improve your design. Will you use buttons for eyes or a marker to draw a face? Can you make your scarecrow more realistic by adding a hat, gloves or other accessories? The possibilities are endless!

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Encourage your child to stay curious about the world around them and keep reading our blog to uncover more examples of real-life STEM.