Singing the praises of the wheelbarrow ~ Gini Rifkin

   Over the last twenty years, I've spent a good amount of time pushing a wheelbarrow. They should make one with an odometer! 

   Until it breaks down, this simple farm implement is hugely taken for granted. When it does go south, you are up a creek with more than no paddle.

The term "wheelbarrow" is made of two words: "wheel" and "barrow." "Barrow" being a derivation of the Old English "barew". It originally denoted a simple frame with handles and no wheel used for carrying loads, often requiring two people to operate. 

 In ancient China, the wheel was typically in the center of the barrow. There is little evidence that the Greeks used this idea, and the Romans preferred four wheeled carts.  

The first wheelbarrows in medieval Europe appeared sometime between 1170 and 1250. the first archival reference was in medieval Europe 1222, specifying the purchase of several wheelbarrows for the English king's works at Dover.

 When we were children, wheelbarrow was a game of competition. 

 That still holds true today, especially if libations are allowed. 

In Hungary, they have The Wheelbarrow Olympics. It's an international sporting event! 

Participants compete individually and in teams, in several categories: solo, double, triple, sandwich, and in speed and skill exercises.

  Take a minute and watch the Red Barrows of Devon, England. They have ramps, a ring of fire, and precision barrow-flying moves.  

Meet the flying Red Barrows

The Red Barrows competition

England also has the Overton's Fancy Dress Wheelbarrow Race. Looks like they pick a different theme every year. 

I'm was thinking of decorating my wheelbarrow, although the goats would most likely make short work of anything I put on it, including paint.    

They have two-wheeled models now. They don't fall over as easily when attacked by naughty goats, but they are far less maneuverable in stalls.  

    Here's a snazzy one, so pretty, but no way could I bring myself to filling it with donkey doo!

  Who knew the unassuming ancient wheelbarrow would make it to modern times as an essential helper on the farm, as well as become a source of competition and merriment. 

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