Why is there a moon cut out on outhouses?
The decoration on the outhouse door has no standard. The well-known crescent moon on American outhouses was popularized by cartoonists and had a questionable basis in fact. There are authors who claim the practice began during the colonial period as an early "mens"/"ladies" designation for an illiterate populace (the sun and moon being popular symbols for the sexes during those times). Others dismiss the claim as an urban legend. What is certain is that the purpose of the hole is for venting and light and there were a wide variety of shapes and placements employed.
What is the disputed reason for why there is a moon cut out on outhouses?
"mens"/"ladies" designation
Outhouse
The decoration on the outhouse door has no standard. The well-known crescent moon on American outhouses was popularized by cartoonists and had a questionable basis in fact. There are authors who claim the practice began during the colonial period as an early "mens"/"ladies" designation for an illiterate populace (the sun and moon being popular symbols for the sexes during those times). Others dismiss the claim as an urban legend. What is certain is that the purpose of the hole is for venting and light and there were a wide variety of shapes and placements employed.
Why is the practical reason why there is a moon cut out on outhouses?
venting and light
Outhouse
Outhouse
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outhouse
The decoration on the outhouse door has no standard.
Outhouse
There are authors who claim the practice began during the colonial period as an early "mens"/"ladies" designation for an illiterate populace
Outhouse
Others dismiss the claim as an urban legend.
Outhouse
What is certain is that the purpose of the hole is for venting and light and there were a wide variety of shapes and placements employed.
Outhouse
The decoration on the outhouse door has no standard. There are authors who claim the practice began during the colonial period as an early "mens"/"ladies" designation for an illiterate populace, but others dismiss the claim as an urban legend. In reality, the purpose of the hole is for venting and light and there were a wide variety of shapes and placements employed.