The Hidebehind

The Hidebehind: A Fascinating Australian Icon

The hidebehind, a seemingly simple yet surprisingly complex object, holds a unique place in Australian history and culture. More than just a children's toy, it represents a blend of ingenuity, resourcefulness, and the enduring spirit of playfulness that characterizes Australian life. This article explores the hidebehind's history, construction, variations, cultural significance, and enduring legacy.

A Brief History: From Bush to Backyard

The precise origins of the hidebehind remain somewhat obscure, lost in the mists of oral tradition and informal play. However, its genesis is firmly rooted in Australia's pioneering past. With limited access to manufactured toys, resourceful children adapted readily available materials – often scraps of wood, discarded tins, or even pieces of bark – to create their own amusements. The hidebehind likely evolved organically from this necessity, its design mirroring the readily available resources of the Australian landscape. Early hidebehinds were likely simpler in construction than those we see today, representing an adaptable and utilitarian plaything passed down through generations.

Construction and Materials: Simple Yet Varied

The beauty of the hidebehind lies in its simplicity. At its core, it's a shield-like object, typically made of wood, though other materials like cardboard or even metal have been used. A fundamental element is the "peephole" – a strategically placed opening allowing the player to observe their surroundings while remaining concealed. This peephole can be a simple hole, a carefully carved slit, or even a more elaborate design.

The construction itself varies widely. Some hidebehinds are simply flat pieces of wood with a hole cut out. Others are more elaborate, featuring decorative elements, handles, or even painted designs. The materials used also reflect the availability in the region. Rural hidebehinds might use reclaimed timber or bush branches, while urban versions might incorporate found objects like pieces of plywood or sheet metal. This diversity makes each hidebehind unique, a testament to the adaptability of its design.

Variations and Regional Differences: A Reflection of Culture

Variations in hidebehind design are not merely aesthetic. They also reflect regional differences and cultural influences. Coastal communities might incorporate driftwood or shells into their hidebehinds, while inland regions may utilise materials like bark or repurposed fence palings. The size and shape also vary considerably, depending on the age and skill of the maker and the intended use. Some are small enough to be held comfortably in one hand, while others are larger, allowing for greater concealment. These variations highlight the hidebehind's capacity to adapt to diverse environments and cultural contexts.

Cultural Significance: More Than Just a Game

The hidebehind is more than just a childhood toy; it represents a connection to Australian heritage and a playful engagement with the landscape. For many Australians, it evokes strong feelings of nostalgia and childhood memories, representing a simpler time when imagination and resourcefulness were paramount. Its prevalence in children’s games underscores the importance of unstructured play in shaping creativity and social skills. The act of creating a hidebehind is, in itself, a valuable learning experience, teaching children about problem-solving, tool use, and the creative manipulation of materials.

The Enduring Legacy: A Timeless Toy

Despite the rise of sophisticated electronic entertainment, the hidebehind remains relevant. Its simple design and adaptable nature ensure its continued appeal across generations. Craft projects featuring hidebehind construction remain popular in schools and community centers, reinforcing its connection to Australian heritage and fostering creativity. Furthermore, its enduring presence in popular culture, appearing in books, films, and artwork, confirms its position as a cherished icon of Australian childhood.

Summary

The hidebehind stands as a fascinating example of how simple objects can hold deep cultural significance. Its history is intertwined with Australian ingenuity, its construction reflects regional differences and available resources, and its continued presence in popular culture signifies its enduring legacy. More than just a child’s toy, the hidebehind is a symbol of resourcefulness, creativity, and the uniquely playful spirit of Australian life.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best material to make a hidebehind? While wood is traditional, any sturdy and relatively lightweight material that can be easily shaped and carved will work. Plywood, cardboard, or even sturdy plastic are suitable alternatives.

2. How can I make a peephole? A simple hole or a carefully cut slit works well. For added security, you might consider using a slightly recessed peephole to avoid direct line of sight.

3. Are there any safety considerations when making a hidebehind? Always supervise children when using tools, and ensure sharp edges are smoothed down to avoid injury. Avoid using materials that might be toxic or hazardous.

4. What are some creative ways to decorate a hidebehind? Paint, markers, stickers, and even natural materials like shells or seeds can add unique character.

5. Where can I find instructions or patterns for making a hidebehind? Numerous online resources, including craft blogs and YouTube tutorials, provide detailed instructions and patterns for making hidebehinds of varying complexity.

Search Results:

American folklore: The Hidebehind | Sasquatch Chronicles 5 Jul 2015 · Wikipedia says”A hidebehind is a nocturnal fearsome critter from American folklore that preys upon humans that wander the woods, and was credited for the disappearances of early loggers when they failed to return to camp. As its name suggests, the hidebehind is noted for its ability to conceal itself.

The Hidebehind - PARANORMAL CATALOG 4 Sep 2022 · The Hidebehind is rarely seen as it is so good at hiding in the forest. The earliest accounts of the Hidebehind describe it as being a huge powerful animal that is somehow able to hide itself amongst the trees.

Hidebehind - para.wiki The hidebehind is a nocturnal fearsome critter from American folklore that preys upon humans that wander the woods, and was blamed for the disappearances of early loggers when they failed to return to camp.

Hidebehind - Mythical Encyclopedia The Hidebehind is a creature steeped in North American folklore, with various tales passed down through generations of forest dwellers, native tribes, and early settlers. The origins of the creature are shrouded in mystery, but many believe it to be a product of the wilderness itself.

Horror Short Film “The Hidebehind” | ALTER - YouTube Lost deep in the forest, a lone backpacker encounters a peculiar stranger.“The Hidebehind” by Parker FinnSubscribe to ALTER on YouTube: https://goo.gl/LnXRC3...

The Hidebehind (S) (2018) - FilmAffinity The Hidebehind (S) is a film directed by Parker Finn with Robin Collins, Jared Wheeler, Abiel Bruhn. Year: 2018. Original title: The Hidebehind. Synopsis: Lost deep in the forest, a lone backpacker encounters a peculiar stranger.You can watch …

Hidebehind - Wikipedia The hidebehind is a nocturnal [1] fearsome critter from American folklore that preys upon humans that wander the woods, [2] and was blamed for the disappearances of early loggers when they failed to return to camp.

Hidebehind - Harry Potter Wiki The Hidebehind was a nocturnal, forest-dwelling, spectre-like beast that preyed on humanoid creatures, but a witch and Pukwudgie working together were able to defeat the creature. It could shift its shape, allowing it to hide behind almost any object.[2]

The Hidebehind - Box Office Mojo The Hidebehind (2018) Lost deep in the forest, a lone backpacker encounters a peculiar stranger.

Call of the Cryptid: The Hidebehind, a fearsome cryptid of ... - MSN Often described as a "nocturnal, forest-dwelling specter," the Hidebehind has become a staple of tall tales, particularly among loggers and woodsmen who shared stories to pass the long, isolated...

Hidebehind — Wikipedia Republished // WIKI 2 The Hidebehind is a nocturnal [1] fearsome critter from American folklore that preys upon humans that wander the woods, [2] and was blamed for the disappearances of early loggers when they failed to return to camp. [3] [4] As its name suggests, …

The Hidebehind (Short 2018) - IMDb The Hidebehind: Directed by Parker Finn. With Robin Collins, Jared Wheeler, Abiel Bruhn. Lost deep in the forest, a lone backpacker encounters a peculiar stranger.

Horror Shorts: The Hide Behind (2019) - The Scariest Things 2 Mar 2020 · Real deep rooted fears saturate the Hide Behind, one of last year’s great short horror films. Sometimes horror in broad (tree dappled) sunlight can be as scary as anything in the dark. I caught this at last year’s Portland Horror Film Festival, and it managed to get into a number of the other big genre festivals as well, and for good reason.

The Hidebehind — Astonishing Legends 26 Jul 2018 · Tales of this creature seem to spring up around lumber communities and particularly with lumberjacks. 19th century lumberjacks had a lot to worry about - physical injury, bears, falling trees...and, of course, the Hidebehind.

Downright Creepy Downright Creepy Short Film Showcase … 20 Jan 2020 · Parker Finn’s ‘The Hidebehind’ was one of my favorite short films coming out of Panic Fest 2019. It has one setting, one actor (sorta) and very little dialogue – yet the film still finds ways to creep you out. Forest settings can always become creepy because being lost in a vast sea of tress and not knowing where you are will also be unnerving.

Hidebehind - Myth or Real? - Cryptidophilia The Hidebehind is a cryptid that is found in the folklore of the lumberjack and logging communities of North America. It is a very elusive cryptid that is known for its tendency to stalk behind humans in the forest especially when they are alone and it has been blamed for lumberjack disappearances over the years.

Hidebehind: The Invisible Stalker of the Forest - Mythical Creatures The Hidebehind is a mythical creature from North American folklore, particularly in the lumberjack traditions of the United States and Canada. The creature is known for its elusive nature and ability to hide behind objects, making it nearly impossible to be directly observed.

Hidebehind - Cryptid Wiki | Fandom The Hidebehind is a mysterious nocturnal creature from American folklore, considered to be a Fearsome critter. It is said to prey upon humans that wander the woods at night, and was credited for the disappearances of early colonial loggers when they failed to return to camp.

The Hidebehind (2018) - User Reviews - IMDb Hidebehind is a fascinating nocturnal creature from American folklore that preys upon humans that wander the woods. When someone attempts to look directly at it, the creature hides behind an object or the observer and therefore cannot be directly seen...therefore its ability to conceal itself creates some intriguingly playful, yet creepy ...

‎The Hidebehind (2018) directed by Parker Finn - Letterboxd Just when true hopelessness sets in he encounters a mysterious stranger in a cloak. A stranger who makes his predicament far more terrifying. Written and directed by Parker Finn, the director behind 2022's Smile, The Hidebehind is a ten minute thriller in the desolate woods of the Northeastern United States.