Build A Scarecrow Day

 What is Build A Scarecrow Day?

Build A Scarecrow Day is observed on the first Sunday of July each year. In 2025, it falls on July 6. This quirky and creative holiday encourages people to build their own scarecrows, celebrating both the artistic and agricultural traditions behind this age-old farm figure.

Historical Background

• Scarecrows have been used for thousands of years to protect crops from birds and other animals.

• Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Japanese all used versions of scarecrows to guard wheat, grapes, and rice fields.

• In medieval Europe, young boys were sometimes hired as “scare-boys” to shoo away birds before scarecrows became common.

• Over time, scarecrows became cultural icons—appearing in festivals, stories, and even horror films.

Purpose of the Day

• To celebrate rural heritage and traditional farming practices.

• To encourage hands-on creativity—especially for kids and families.

• To raise awareness about farming challenges in a lighthearted way.

• Often tied to community events, craft fairs, and summer festivals in agricultural towns.

How to Celebrate

1. Build a Scarecrow:

   • Use old clothes, a wooden frame or broomstick, and stuff it with hay, newspaper, or straw.

   • Add a hat, scarf, and even face paint to personalize it.

   • Set it up in your garden, yard, or even indoors for fun.

2. Host a Scarecrow Contest:

   • Communities or schools often hold creative competitions with prizes for funniest, scariest, or most original scarecrow.

3. Scarecrow-Themed Activities:

   • Read children's books like The Scarecrow or The Scarecrow’s Hat.

   • Watch movies or shows that feature scarecrows (The Wizard of Oz, for example).

   • Bake treats in the shape of scarecrows or make scarecrow crafts.

4. Learn the History:

   • Explore how different cultures use scarecrows—like Japan’s kakashi, Germany’s Strohmänner, or Native American variations.

Cultural Significance

• Japan: Scarecrows (called kakashi) are often dressed like farmers and even have faces drawn to appear more human.

• Germany & the UK: Scarecrow festivals are held in rural towns with life-sized creations along village roads.

• United States: Symbol of fall harvest and Halloween, often used as decoration from summer through autumn.

Fun Facts

• The word "scarecrow" first appeared in English literature in the 1400s.

• Scarecrows are sometimes seen as guardians of the field in folklore.

• In some places, scarecrows are believed to ward off evil spirits, not just birds.