A to Z Challenge 2013

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

D is for Didgeridoo

This may not be an unfamiliar word to many of you, but it's a favorite of mine.  A Didgeridoo is:

An Australian Aboriginal wind instrument in the form of a long wooden tube (traditionally made from a hollow branch)


When I first heard the name, I thought my parents were making it up (something my Dad was fond of doing).  It actually is the name for an instrument that has been around for more than 2000 years, based on cave and rock paintings found in the Northern Territory of Australia.

Another interesting thing to note is that every tribe has their own name for this instrument.  There are in fact 45 recognized names, though I'm sticking with Didgeridoo.

Here's a video of one being played, in case you're unfamiliar with it.



The word almost sounds like a silly cartoon or Dr. Seuss name.  What comes to mind when you hear this word?

6 comments:

Rick Daley said...

A couple years back on American Idol, Crystal Bowersox played The Beatles' "Come Together" and had a didgeridoo player accompanying her. I have that song on my iPod, it's pretty awesome!

Sara Hill said...

Didn't know the didgeridoo had been around so long. Interesting.

Patricia Stoltey said...

Hey, Eric, we could start an old weird instrument orchestra! :D

Patricia

Stephanie said...

Honestly, the first thing that comes to mind is one of the contestants of Top Chef, I can't remember which season, playing one these. It is a neat word.

Eric said...

Rick - I had to go out and view that video and you're right, it is so awesome.

The Muse - I didn't know how old it was, but I knew it was one of the earliest instruments. Pretty cool, huh?

Patricia - Sounds great to me. I'd love to get my hands on a didgeridoo.

Stephanie - Hmmm, that would be cool to see. I just may have to go google that.

Scribe said...

My son always wanted a didgeridoo. Someday, I hope to be able to get him one, but for now he will have to be be satisfied with his keyboard, accordion, harmonicon, (I think that is what it is called), trumpet, guitar, and violin.