Do you have any idea what is »klopotec«? Have you ever heard a sound of it in the middle of vineyards? Wooden mechanical device on a high wooden pole, is similar to a windmill. It is used as a bird scarer in the vineyards of traditional wine-growing landscapes of Slovenia.
Klopotec is one of the symbols of the Styria in Slovenia. Some of the sources claims that the device appeared in Slovenia already in 16th century. Another theory claims that it was first used in the 18tg century in the fields. But the first written mantions of "klopotec" date to the second half of the 18th century, whereas it's oldest depictions date to the first half of the 19th century.
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A "klopotec" consists of different parts, each of them is made of a specific type of wood to produce a fine and melodic sound. Photo: Klemen Golob/TIC Maribor
The "klopotec" is considered to be a Slovenian invention. They are most widespread in the northeastern parts of the country. They were erected in Slovenske Gorice, Prlekija and Haloze, and later spread to other wine-growing areas of Slovenia, and partly to the Zagorje region in Croatia, and in the north to the border areas of Hungary and Austria.
The devices are erected when the grapes start ripening, from 25 July to 15 August, and must be put away by 11 November at the latest.
As birds got used to its rattling sound, the efficiency of "klopotec" is questionable. Nevertheless, many vine-growers keep putting them up as a way to preserve the tradition.
The rattle used to scare away, but today it unites. It serves as an invitation to events, it heralds autumn, and when it is put up, everyone wishes for a good harvest. This is the way of saying thank you to all friends and neigbors who helped in the vineyard during the year.
There are many customs and traditions associated with the "klopotec". A folk belief also states that "klopotec" drive snakes from the vineyards and soften grapes.
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A word "klopotec" or "klapoc" derives from "klopotati" (to produce cut off, rhythmic sounds). Photo: Marko Vindiš
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The traditional types which are made solely from wood are becoming more and more rare, as they are getting replaced by devices with metal elements. Some of original type are also ornamented with small carved figurines. Photo: Rok Breznik/ TIC Maribor
The largest in the world can be found in Slovenia!
The largest has blades 20,58 m (67 ft 6,2 in) long and holds Guinness World Record. It is owned by Stanko Habjanič. You will find it nn a hilltop in the municipality of Ormož. Stanko Habjanič is a local amateur builder who is determined enough to keep up the family tradition. It is also a nice village event and open not just to the locals but every guest.
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The largest bird-scaring "klopotec" in the world. Photo: Stanko Habjanič archive
Take a trip and enjoy in melody
You will find most of them in Prlekija, Haloze and Slovenske Gorice. It's time to go there and enjoy in vine and listen the melody of "klopotec" in the vineyard. This special wooden mechanical device remains a cherised Slovenian tradition. Enjoy in it.
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If a husbandman forgets to take it down till 11 November the youth from the village can steal it and leave a message about the ransom that he must pay to get it back. Photo: Andrej Tarfila/www.slovenia.info
Date: 27. September 2024
Time to read: 2 min
