The combination of
the Rio Olympics and dry river beds made me think of “rain sticks,” some form
of which appears in many cultures around the world. These are long hollow
tubes, partially filled with small pebbles or beans that have small pins or
thorns nailed into the center. When you turn the stick up, the beans cascade
down making a sound like rain. The Aztecs, and possibly the Incas, used them to
encourage rain. Given the current drought, this seems like an ideal instrument
to make.
Traditionally bamboo
or dried cactus are used but a stiff cardboard tube (type used for gift
wrapping, paper towel) or even plastic can be substituted. Instead of thorns,
small nails or even pieces of tooth picks can be pushed into the center, which
is needed to create the “rain” effect when the beans, rice or crushed stone
trickle down.
Once you have the
inside made, decorate the outside covering the spots where you’ve pushed
through the small nails. For more instructions, go to Make Your Own Rain Stick.
Decorate you rain
stick with aboriginal designs or anything that appeals to you. For those who like to color, paste one of your creations on your stick.
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