<P> 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 . </P>
<P> 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 . </P>
why is there a moon on the outhouse door
why is there a moon on the outhouse door
venting and light
venting and light