Hello, fellow crop circle enthusiasts! 👽 Today, we’ll be exploring the history of these mysterious formations. From ancient times to present-day, we’ll delve into the stories and theories behind crop circles.

2000 BC - 4000 BC: Cerne Abbas Giant?

Did you know that the famous Cerne Abbas Giant may have been a precursor to crop circles? This chalk figure in Dorset, England, features a phallus and is surrounded by circular patterns. Although its origin and purpose are still contested, some suggest that it may have been a sacred site for rituals involving the fertility of crops.

A photo of the Cerne Abbas Giant on the hill, with the chalk outline visible.

1678: “Mowing Devil” Woodcut

The so-called “Mowing Devil” woodcut from 1678 is one of the earliest known depictions of a crop circle. The image shows a farmer in Hertfordshire, England, claiming that the devil made circles in his crop after he refused the devil’s offer to cut it down for a low price. While some believe this story to be a myth or a prank, others think it may be evidence of a genuine crop circle observation.

A woodcut from 1678 depicting a farmer pointing to a large crop circle. The devil is shown crouching beside him.

1961: Tully Saucer Nests

In 1961, a farmer in Tully, Australia, observed several weird circular formations in his swampy field. The shapes looked like nests and were connected by a network of paths. Although the farmer initially thought they might be made by a UFO, it was later discovered that they were likely created by whirlwinds or waterspouts. Still, the Tully Saucer Nests remain a fascinating early example of circular patterns found in natural settings.

A black and white photo of the Tully Saucer Nests, showing several circular formations in swampy grass.

1970s: Modern Crop Circle Phenomenon Emerges

In the 1970s, reports of crop circles in modern form began to grow. Initially, the circles were relatively simple and small, but they soon became more complex and intricate. Some circles had strange symbols or patterns woven into them, leading many to speculate that they were created by extraterrestrial beings. Skeptics, however, suggested that they were hoaxes or caused by natural phenomena like weather or insects.

A colorful collage of various crop circle formations, with different patterns and designs visible.

1990s: Crop Circle Art Movement

By the 1990s, crop circles had become an international phenomenon. People from all over the world were traveling to England, where many of the most complex and beautiful circles seemed to appear. Some artists even began to make crop circles intentionally, using ropes and boards to flatten crops in artistic patterns. This sparked a movement of crop circle art, with exhibitions, competitions, and even crop circle tourism.

A photo of a group of people standing in a large, intricate crop circle. The surrounding field is lush and green.

Present Day: Continuing Mystery

Today, crop circles remain a mystery in many respects. While some have been proven to be hoaxes, it’s difficult to account for the complexity and intricacy of many formations. Many theories continue to exist, from extraterrestrial to supernatural to purely natural. Although some scientists have studied the phenomenon, it remains one of the most fascinating unsolved mysteries of our time.

A drone photo of a colorful, complex crop circle, surrounded by farmland and trees.

And that concludes our whirlwind tour through crop circles throughout the ages! 🌀 We hope you’ve found it informative and intriguing. Who knows what new formations will appear in the future? Thanks for joining us on this journey. 👋

A vibrant, colorful illustration of a crop circle with alien symbols and patterns.