Regardless of their beginnings or ceremonial purpose many people still make rain sticks in the traditional manner.
Traditional rain stick.
When the stick is upended the pebbles fall to the other end of the tube making a sound reminiscent of rain falling.
These cylindrical instruments mimic the sound of rain when turned from side to side.
The mellifluous sounds of the traditional rain stick were supposedly once thought to have the power to draw water from the clouds or just to make beautiful music.
The unique sound produced by turning the stick from end to end is mesmerizing to children and adults alike and is still used in traditional rain ceremonies throughout south america today.
The guajiro people of south america are known for shooting arrows at the clouds to pierce them and cause them to spill rain over their land.
Pebbles or dried beans are then poured into.
Rain in the modern age.
The rainstick is believed to have been invented by the mapuches and was played in the belief it could bring about rainstorms.
Many cultures still practice these traditional rituals today either to stay connected to their heritage or as a way to hope for rain.
If you long for the peaceful sound of falling rain you can create it yourself by making your own rainstick.
Sturdy construction will stand up to use in the classroom home or band over time much clearer sound than plastic or poorly made imitation rainsticks.