Nearly No One Recognizes This Antique Tool. Are You One Of The Few That Actually Know What It Is?
We recently stumbled upon this intriguing image and found ourselves utterly perplexed. What on earth could it possibly be?
The image made its rounds within the All Cute offices as we pondered the myriad potential uses for what appeared to be an ordinary tree branch.
After a day of speculation, the mystery was finally unveiled! This branch served a purpose dating all the way back to the 1500s, known as “Water Dowsing.”
If you’re not acquainted with the term Water Dowsing or the dowsing tool itself, you might recognize it by one of its alternative names: a diviner, doodlebug, well witch, or water-finder. This tool, though often considered a folklore tradition, was widely practiced in years gone by.
The Y-shaped branch was wielded by an individual who grasped one branch of the stick in each hand, palms facing upward. The stem of the “Y” (or the base of the branch) was then inclined toward the Earth at a 45-degree angle. With the tool in position, the individual would proceed to walk back and forth in search of water.
While pacing back and forth, individuals watch for the bottom of the Y-shaped stick to shift towards the ground. According to an old wives’ tale, vibrations detected at the bottom of the Y suggest the presence of water underground.
You might wonder, “How did this tradition begin?” Well, back in the 1500s, people used metal rods for dowsing to locate metals beneath the earth’s surface. Over time, this technique transitioned to finding water sources for rural homeowners.
The rationale behind it was simple: drilling in the wrong location could be costly. Employing the water dowser method simplified the search for water, saving time and money.
The semi-myth was debunked with the advent of advanced technology, which revealed that water exists beneath much of the Earth’s surface. Nevertheless, the tool was ingenious for its time. In fact, some water drilling companies still employ water-dowsing techniques before drilling to ensure water availability.
If you were aware of the tool’s purpose, congratulations! If you’re interested in surprising your friends, see if they know about it!
