Rain Stick (Noun)
Meaning
A percussion instrument that is made from a dried cactus branch that is hollowed out and filled with small pebbles and capped at both ends; makes the sound of falling rain when tilted; origin was in Chile where tribesmen used it in ceremonies to bring rain.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The musician gently tilted the rain stick back and forth, creating a soothing melody that mimicked the sound of a gentle spring shower.
- In traditional Chilean ceremonies, the rain stick was used to summon the gods and bring much-needed rain to the parched land.
- The child's eyes widened with wonder as she picked up the rain stick and heard the soft rattling of pebbles inside, like a miniature thunderstorm.
- The percussionist added a rain stick to the ensemble, its gentle patter weaving in and out of the other instruments to create a rich tapestry of sound.
- As the shaman raised the rain stick to the sky, the tribe fell silent, waiting for the heavens to respond to the ancient ritual.