National Build a Scarecrow Day

The unique and fun National Build a Scarecrow Day is every first Saturday in July. On this day, scarecrows are made to look like people to scare away birds from a garden or field. Traditionally, straw, a wooden stick, and old, worn clothes are used to create scarecrows.

History

In the past, scarecrows were the only way to protect crops from birds. The birds mistook a scarecrow for a person and flew away. Despite the fact that this method of scaring birds is obsolete, people still gather on this day to make scarecrows. Usually, a festival is organized, and it has been annually in the United States for over 100 years. National Build a Scarecrow Day gained international prominence. Since 1990, the holiday has been in UK rural areas. During the celebration, family, friends, and neighbors gather and compete to see who can make the best scarecrow.

Interesting Facts

• In the Japanese book ‘Kojiki’, dating from 712, a scarecrow named Kuebiko is mentioned, which is a deity unable to walk but knowing everything about the world;
• In Canada, stuffed animals with pumpkin heads are made for this holiday, in which figures of pigs and cats are carved;
• About 10,000 people in the UK gather for the Scarecrow Festival.

How to Take Part

Because scarecrows are easy to make, National Build a Scarecrow Day allows you to try making one yourself. You can also get together with friends to watch movies about stuffed animals or compete to see who can make one faster and better. A ready-made scarecrow can be installed in your garden if there is a need to save fruits from being eaten by birds.

When is National Build a Scarecrow Day in 2024?

National Build a Scarecrow Day is observed on the first Sunday of July each year.

Observations