A rattle, or ratchet, is a musical instrument, usually made of wood and fitted with a tongue or flanges. As they rotate on a shaft, they produce a crackling sound. Its origins date back to the first half of the 14th century (Middle Ages). With its sometimes strident or at least distinctive sound, the cog rattle has been of great use.
Originally, women used it to call their husbands in the fields. Villagers used it to warn others of the arrival of plague victims. Travelling merchants used it to signal their presence, while others used it to ward off birds. The rattle was also used to sound the alarm during gas attacks in both world wars.
In the 1960s-70s, it had a more recreational role, with football (soccer) fans using it to cheer on their favorite team.
