No one really knows what music sounded like in ancient Egypt, but we do know what some of their instruments used during that time looked like. A close look at some of the beautiful hieroglyphics found in the pyramids and in archeological ruins show that Egyptian musicians enjoyed playing harps, drums, hands drums and also used a unique rattle called a sistrum.

A sistrum is a hand-held percussion instrument, that was most often played by priestesses or the court musicians who entertained pharaohs and nobility. Instead of shaking it around like you might play maracas, the sistrum was moved back and forth and the rattles or jingles on the instrument would create a “swooshing” sound.

Can you make your own version? Yes! It’s easy… for a wooden sistrum you just need to find the right branch in the shape of a "Y", then add the wires plus the jingles to create your version of this ancient instrument.

Here are supplies needed for creating a wooden sistrum:

-A tree branch shaped like a “Y”
-Assorted buttons, jingle bells or metal washers
-A small amount of floral wire, jewelry wire, fishing twine or embroidery thread
-A wire-cutter

Thread different kinds of buttons, jingle bells or metal washers onto a small piece of floral wire or jewelry wire. [You can also use fishing twine or embroidery thread, but wire is better at keeping the bangles in place.] Tie or secure the wire in place on each side of the branch by twisting the wire securely around the branch (making sure no pointy parts are sticking out). 

Then try out your instrument. It should make a pleasing sound when “swooshed” from one side to another. Enjoy!

You can find almost 2 dozen multicultural music crafts on DARIA’s world music for kids site.

Thank you for sharing this wonderful craft with us Daria! –Mama Lisa

Enjoy!

Mama Lisa

Tonight is the full moon festival of Jugoya in Japan.  People view the moon and celebrate the harvest.  Celebrating includes the Green Tea ceremony and listening to people playing the koto.

Below you can hear the koto.

Jugo-ya displays are created for the festival.  Here is one from Ayako Egawa in Japan…

Ayako wrote the following about the display:

It is the traditional offering display for Jugoya. More properly, traditionally we put dango (rice dumplings) on the stand and offer Japanese pampas grasses as I showed you last year.

This year I found cookies for Jugoya at a shop and displayed them for the first time.  It is not the traditional style, but a new and casual one.

Jugoya ceremonies are held in some of the temples and Japanese gardens and they display these offerings there. I don’t know exactly how much people make the Jugoya displays at their homes, but it is true that many people eat dango at Jugoya in Japan!

I like this Jugoya tradition very much. It’s so wonderful when I think
ancient people viewed the same moon as I view now.  I’m glad lots of people share the tradition through your blog!

Have a nice day.

Ayako

Many thanks to Ayako Egawa in Japan for the photos, commentary and for reminding us of this wonderful festival!

Mama Lisa

Enjoy!

Mama Lisa