Sichel

Sichel, the German term for the sickle, refers to a curved, single-edged hand tool used for harvesting crops and trimming grass. The blade is typically short and hooked, mounted on a short wooden or metal handle, and designed to be swung with one hand. The sickle is one of the oldest agricultural implements, found in many ancient farming cultures and widely used across Europe, Asia, and beyond. It is distinct from the scythe (Sense in German), which has a longer blade and a two-handed handle for mowing larger areas.

Historically, the sickle enabled selective cutting of ripe stalks and is often associated with early agricultural societies. In modern contexts, it remains a practical tool for small-scale farming, home gardening, and maintenance tasks where precision and control are important.

In heraldry and political symbolism, the sickle has appeared as a symbol of agriculture and labor. It is most famously part of the hammer and sickle emblem, used to represent unity between industrial and agricultural workers in communist iconography. The symbol persists in various logos and insignia tied to rural heritage, unions, or agrarian movements.

As a word, Sichel also exists as a surname in German-speaking regions. People bearing the name may appear in historical records or contemporary contexts. The tool itself continues to be produced in modern markets, with variations that prioritize durability, ergonomics, and safety.