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Clowns have been found in almost every culture since  ancient Greece.

The earliest reference to clowns was pictures on the walls of old caves located on the island of Crete.  The pictures, painted with colored herbs some 2,400 years before Christ, were of men painted with grotesque faces. The youth there covered their faces and hands with herbs and performed on sacred days and events. Skills of the times: Acrobats  gymnastic skills  balancing.

Along the Nile and Greece the same type of skills were offered. Greek clowns strolled through the streets of Sparta as early as the seventh century B.C. These clowns were called “deikeliktas” or “ those who put on plays.” Greek clowns wore: padded cloths  a bald headed  sometimes wore wooden masks with a mouth in a yawning position to amplify their voices some wore animal heads  They acted as buffoons doing mime and farce. To keep the audience awake every so often they threw nuts at the crowd .

In ancient Egypt, 5,000 years ago the earliest clown found there was known as "DANGA". He was from a tribe of pygmies who entertained the royal family. In Italy, a clown similar to the Greek clown appeared. The Italian clown wore: a pointed hat  a patch work robe.

The Romans admired a clown named “Latinus” who would amuse the leaders by making fun of those believing in the Christian religion.

In India, China and Malaya clowns wore: huge masks  large turbans.

The American Indians had their clowns. The clownish behavior sometimes blended with serious and even sacred ceremonies. They did the reverse of what they were asked by their fellow tribesmen. Examples of Indian clownish behavior were: pretending to freeze in the sweltering heat of summer  to be overcome with the temperature on an icy winter day.  to appear at festive occasions, for the sheer purpose of amusing the crowds,  dressed in the shabbiest clothes, riding a miserable pony  disporting themselves in the most absurd fashion.  All in all, the American Indian enjoyed a respectable number of entertainments and attached considerable importance to them.

Some Native America tribes believed their clowns could help cure specific diseases. Today’s medicine has found positive evidence that humor causes physiological changes including: Lower blood pressure  Muscular relaxation  Release of endorphin ( stress reducing chemicals manufactured in the brain)  Temporary increase in Immunoglobulin a ( a virus– fighter).

A Native Clown