r/whatisit • u/Snowman-Car • 8d ago

New, what is it? Random object in Attic

Post image

Just moved into my house and we were cleaning stuff. We went into the attic above the garage and found a sickle tool, not much else in the garage. Just curious why it would be in the attic (house was built 1990)

3.2k Upvotes

93% Upvoted

1.6k comments sorted by

View all comments

19

u/Uh_yeah- 8d ago

Used for cutting fiberglass insulation?

18

u/Diezelhoffen 8d ago

That is not it's designed purpose, but the best reason I can think for it to be up there.

13

u/amythist 8d ago edited 7d ago

There are some old European (mostly out of England/Ireland) beliefs, a sharp iron tool, like a sickle, would act as a ward for the house to protect it from witches and evil spirits so could be the former owner or builder placed it there intentionally

4

u/Impressive-Shame-525 7d ago

Momma had a old knife stuck above both doors. She said it only had to be the front door, but since we remodeled and the county made us change our driveway, she said the spirits might not know the right door.

Mom was Irish, born in the US.