Today, let’s start by listening to some beautiful sounds.

Isn’t the rain drop sound relaxing? The sound isn’t actually rain but is from a musical instrument called the rainstick.

The rainstick originated from Chile. Traditionally, rainsticks are made from some species of cactus. The cactus is sun-dried, and the spines/spikes are removed and then pushed back into the cactus.

The cactus is then filled with little objects such as beans or pebbles, and the ends are sealed off. In other parts of the world, rainsticks can also be made of bamboo or reed, whichever is available in the local environment. The rainsticks are believed to be used originally in native ceremonies to bring rain.

The rainstick is a percussive instrument, creating only rhythm but not tone. When the rainstick is tilted, the little beans or pebbles inside bounce off the spines to the other end, creating the clicking and clacking sound, like raindrops. The loudness of the rain is controlled by tilting the rainstick at different angles: titling a little creates light rain while tilting a lot brings heavy rain.

The rainsticks remain popular today. You can purchase them or DIY with household materials such as paper towel rolls and toothpicks.

Let’s end today’s chat with some nice and relaxing rainstick music.