Objects That Left Folks Wondering about Their Uses
“What is this metal bowl-shaped thing with a hollow handle/spout?”
Answer: “Part of a cream separator.”
“Hollow small glass object with a weird opening. What is it?”
Answer: Glass vase/flower holder.
“I found it in a forest in Sweden, about 1 m from the ground, roughly 20 cm in size. Hard to the touch, but drips liquid when knocked.”
Answer: “Looks like a polypore fungus that is exuding excess moisture, called guttation.”
“I got a bag containing 6 of these from China. I have no idea why! What are they?”
Answer: Rose of Jericho (Resurrection Plant, Dinosaur Plant, Jericho Rose)
“What is this big hole that is usually found on milk cartons?”
Answer: “This is actually a measure to keep the milk contained if it’s suddenly dropped, or frozen. Makes the cap pop out if so.”
“The hole gets smaller when I squeeze it. Found in the kitchen at my parents’ house. What do I use it for?”
Answer: “It’s to strip corn on the cob.”
“What is this padded satin item with ribbon ties and a hole in the middle? Appears possibly handmade, like a case for a beauty item.”
Answer: “It looks like it might go on top of a hanger (which is why there’s a hole in the middle). This would turn something like a smooth wooden hanger into one of those hangers with a satin finish/top to prevent light items like slips or lingerie from slipping off the hanger. The ties would be to secure it to the hanger, perhaps. Just a guess though!”
