ljár

Ljár is a tool traditionally used for mowing grass and harvesting crops. It consists of a long, curved blade attached to a wooden handle. The blade is sharpened on one edge and is designed to cut vegetation with a sweeping motion. The handle, often called a scythe handle or snath, allows the user to grip and maneuver the tool effectively. Ljár were historically important agricultural implements used worldwide for tasks such as haymaking and grain harvesting before the widespread adoption of mechanical reapers and mowers.

The design of the ljár allows for efficient cutting of large areas of grass or grain. The curved blade follows the natural arc of a swinging motion, maximizing the cutting surface with each stroke. The length and curvature of the blade can vary depending on the intended use, with shorter blades sometimes used for finer work and longer blades for clearing larger fields. The construction of the ljár typically involves forging the blade from steel and attaching it to a sturdy wooden handle. Maintenance, particularly regular sharpening of the blade, was crucial for optimal performance. While largely replaced by modern machinery, the ljár is still used in some areas for specific tasks, for ecological reasons such as preserving traditional landscapes, or by enthusiasts for its historical significance and the physical exercise it provides.