Ok, a fun Easter question. The things in the photos were popular here at Easter time but their popularity fizzled out in grannies days (1960ish). However, they're starting to make a comeback.
But what are they for?
No googling or I'll cry. Answer in a couple of days
Updates
1 mo
All three do the same job of "clapping" but why would kids have them at Easter?
Updates
1 mo
Answer. Clapping for eggs. Children would go door to door clapping and saying a rhyme in exchange for an egg. Kinda like trick or treating at Easter.
By using a clapper at Easter, you celebrate God, because the natural earthy scent of the aged wood evokes memories of the rotting flesh of Jesus.
But that's not all, the clappers also conduct an olfactory symphony in celebration of the divine.
The church fills with the delightful stench of damp wood, and as the clapper echoes, it stirs up the musty scents lurking in the corners and in the clothing of the congregation.
Imagine 100 clappers going, when suddenly, the air is thick with the aroma of moldy cheese, rotten eggs, mothballs, and old period blood. These are the smells unclinging themselves from Easter dresses, the way God permeates our lives.
It's a beautiful reminder of the cycle of life, death, and rebirth, much like the transformation of decaying vegetation into fertile soil. 🍁
Regarding Update: How I would love to distribute eggs to children. Picture the scene: children running through the green grass, eager to collect their Easter eggs, unaware of the pungent surprises awaiting them. As they crack open those shells, they'll be greeted by a waft of sulfur-laden fumes, a true testament to the power of decomposition. 🍀 Their faces, a mix of confusion and disgust, will be priceless, as they inadvertently inhale the sweet stench of decay.
The first ones are "clappers" - a noise maker. I don't know about the third one, but I assume it's a variation of the same thing. I'm assuming by the construction of the second one that it is used by indigenous people in ceremonies of some kind, but I couldn't tell you anything more. The first one seems to be a more modern version that may have a use as a musical instrument or noise maker.
Those things are made to produce noise or warnings. This reminds me of a special device (a rattle?) used by lepers to warn other people not to approach them. The models in your pictures make me guess they could be used to chase away bad spirits during popular events or ceremonies, whether religious or not. Variants of these devices are used to accompany music and dancers.
I think the first two are used to drive evil spirits away; shake them and the ungodly noise they make scares away the spirits. I don't know what the third thing is.
Noise makers. In the US, they're still sold, but typically as toys, and they're usually plastic, with rubber bands connecting the paddles. I did not look this up, by the way. I just know.
I'll be honest, I reverse image searched them AFTER I answered this question, and it said they were originally used in churches in place of bells to call people to the altar. From what I found, my guess of "instrument" is technically correct, as one of the sources I found stated that they ARE technically instruments. So that's how they're traditionally used. As far as why kids use them, I have no idea. Probably no significant reason aside from being fun to play with, unless they're used by altar kids.
Hmm. I can't help but wonder if nowadays someone like @purplepoppy may find that useful for other extracurricular purposes 🐰🥳👀😈 said light heartedly 🥳🥳🥳 'tis the Easter season, secular
