14 Vintage Photos That Aren"t So Easy To Explain

Whenever we see a story about time travel, there’s usually a couple of scenes where a character behaves in a way that is all but taken for granted in our time but seems odd to their new hosts. Depending on how far back this character goes, their actions can come off as either merely strange or absolutely terrifying. With enough centuries between their home and where this person finds themselves, they may even be accused of witchcraft.

However, it’s also possible for this confusion to cut both ways. When we look back at old photos, we can see behaviors, costumes, and scenes that made perfect sense at the time. Some had a practical purpose, while others were simply a means of entertainment but none of them would seem too out of place when the photo was taken.

Yet as the years go by and the context for those photos gets fuzzier, they take on an entirely different character for future generations. They become confusing and if the scene seems stark enough, that confusion can easily turn to horror.

For some of the 14 photos you’re about to see, I can tell you exactly what’s going on. Unfortunately, the meaning behind some of the others is less clear and I can only give you my best guess. In any case, let’s tuck in and enjoy the weirdness of days gone by.

Don’t forget to COMMENT and tell us the strangest sights you’ve ever seen.

1. This image definitely raises a lot of questions.

Regrettably, I can’t tell you what’s in this woman’s ears or why she’s posing with a skeleton carrying a French horn. What I can say is that early photography tended to get experimental. Not only were scientists figuring out what they could capture with the medium, but other more artistic folks were also conducting their own experiments.  

2. Never fear, the 1930s didn’t bring on a giant grasshopper invasion.

This image is actually a “tall-tale postcard” and the grasshopper was added in after the fact like we do with Photoshop today. These manipulated photos were originally used to make a town’s crops seem more plentiful than they were, but they became popular in their own right throughout the early 20th century.

3. Unfortunately, I can’t tell you what he’s dressed like or what that grabber is for.

It’s probably for some kind of costume party. Maybe he’s playing a character from folklore who steals away naughty children.Oh dear, that only makes this picture worse, doesn’t it? Sorry.

4. Have you ever wondered why we find dolls like this so creepy?

Frank McAndrew, a psychologist at Knox College in Illinois, said it all comes down to the mixed messages we get from them. They seem to give off a dangerous vibe but we know they can’t actually hurt us, so we’re left with this uncertain feeling of dread when we look at them.