What is the history and cultural significance of the rain stick musical instrument?

The rain stick is a traditional musical instrument originating from indigenous cultures in South America. It is made from a hollowed-out cactus or bamboo tube filled with small pebbles or seeds. When the stick is turned upside down, the pebbles fall through the tube, creating a sound similar to rain. The rain stick is often used in rituals and ceremonies to invoke rain, fertility, and blessings from the earth. It holds cultural significance as a symbol of nature's power and the connection between humans and the natural world.