Monday, January 20, 2025

The Crescent Moon on Outhouses

The outhouse in this photo can be found at Greenfield Ghost Town in Apache Junction, Arizona. We visited yesterday afternoon, and I highly recommend that if you are ever out here to do the same.
As for the outhouse, notice the traditional crescent moon carved in? Maybe it causes you to wonder why these antique buildings typically have a moon carved into them.
The crescent moon carved into the doors of antique outhouses has a few interesting historical and cultural significances.
One of the most widely accepted explanations is that the crescent moon served as a symbol for women. In times when literacy was low, visual symbols were important for communication. The crescent moon was associated with femininity, often linked to the Roman moon goddess Luna or the goddess Diana, thus welcoming women to use that particular outhouse.
Additionally, it is believed that the crescent moon indicated that the outhouse was designated for women, while a sun symbol would denote a men's outhouse. This practice helped to clearly mark the facilities in a time when many people could not read. I don't know about you. but I've never seen an outhouse with a sun carved into it. I wish I could find one.
Regardless, the crescent moon on outhouse doors is a fascinating blend of practicality and symbolism, reflecting societal norms and communication methods of the past.

https://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2020/01/why-do-outhouses-have-a-crescent-moon-on-the-door/

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/outhouses-crescent-moons

https://www.neatorama.com/2020/01/04/Why-Do-Outhouses-Have-a-Crescent-Moon-on-the-Door/



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