The unique and fun National Build a Scarecrow Day is celebrated every first Saturday in July. On this day, scarecrows are made which 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. But despite the fact that this method of scaring birds is obsolete, people still gather on this day people to make scarecrows. Usually, a festival is organized, and it has been celebrated annually in the United States for over 100 years. National Build a Scarecrow Day gained international prominence. Since 1990, the holiday has been celebrated 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 it 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 celebrated in 2023?
National Build a Scarecrow Day is observed on the first Sunday of July each year.
Observations
Weekday | Month | Day | Year |
Sunday | July | 2 | 2023 |
Sunday | July | 7 | 2024 |
Sunday | July | 6 | 2025 |
Sunday | July | 5 | 2026 |