Westerly Wood
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I used to hike a lot in surrounding foothills, long ago, after work, so basically dusk till dark. And during all seasons. Literally would not be abnormal to step right over one sleeping on the trail, warming itself.My neighbor puts rattles in his '53 D18.
Keep your eyes peeled. I guarantee you're more likely to step on one than see it.
I was just about to say that I'm glad I live somewhere that they (or any other venomous snakes) don't!There is something very good to be said for winters.
I have heard of that tradition, especially with Bluegrass and Country musicians. I believe it started with fiddle players and then was taken up by mandolin players and guitar players. In folk tales the rattle can help ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. Bill Monroe was said to keep a rattlesnake rattle in his mandolin.Cannot appreciate snakes.
I have a friend who puts the rattlesnake rattlers inside the soundhole on his acoustic guitars.
I've seen rattlesnakes in New York, near the New Jersey state line. Have yet to see one in New England, but I assume they are around, perhaps in the Berkshires (western Mass., near NY). Have also come across copperheads in western Connecticut.I'm confused as to the flag's use of the snake since it was routinely and ruthlessly hunted and killed - and eaten - in organized drives throughout the last few centuries, maybe still today, the flag itself from 1775.
I guess the flag basically says don't step on snakes, it's very good as a PSA, or is it standing up for the snake's right not to be stepped on as if we were were empathizing with snakes as victims of oppression because we oppress them?
The Wikipedia article on the flag, does not set off my BS detector. The use of the rattlesnake in the colonies dates back to at least 1751 and it was seen as a symbol of the colonies - something the New World had that the old world did not.I'm confused as to the flag's use of the snake since it was routinely and ruthlessly hunted and killed - and eaten - in organized drives throughout the last few centuries, maybe still today, the flag itself from 1775.
In December 1775, Benjamin Franklin published an essay in the Pennsylvania Journal under the pseudonym "American Guesser" in which he suggested that the rattlesnake was a good symbol for the American spirit and its valuation for vigilance, assertiveness, individualism, unity, and liberty:
[...] there was painted a Rattle-Snake, with this modest motto under it, "Don't tread on me." [...] she has no eye-lids. She may therefore be esteemed an emblem of vigilance. She never begins an attack, nor, when once engaged, ever surrenders [...] The Rattle-Snake is solitary, and associates with her kind only when it is necessary for their preservation [...] 'Tis curious and amazing to observe how distinct and independent of each other the rattles of this animal are, and yet how firmly they are united together, so as never to be separated but by breaking them to pieces. [...] The power of fascination attributed to her, by a generous construction, may be understood to mean, that those who consider the liberty and blessings which America affords, and once come over to her, never afterwards leave her, but spend their lives with her.
the rattlesnake had special significance. Like liberty, the rattler was found only in America. But that wasn't all. That wily serpent was usually just a harmless, humble creature. But aroused, angered, and prodded, first it warned with violent rattle then it struck with a deadly bite.
Never open that case again, RB.Westerly Wood,
Thanks for the reminder.
I shook my Gibson case this morning and something inside it rattled.
Might be the picks or maybe a Rattlesnake. Am currently getting up my nerve to take a peek.
I'll letcha know.
RBSinTo