The term Boomerang or boomerang in English can be understood in three different ways: as an ancient weapon, as a simple gadget intended for entertainment or in relation to the so-called Boomerang effect.
A primitive weapon
In prehistoric times, humans already made tools to hunt and spears, waves, bow and arrows or the Boomerang are a clear example of this. The Boomerang is usually in the shape of an obtuse angle and is generally made of wood. Its main characteristic is that it can return to the hands of its launcher after being launched, as long as it does not hit an object or animal. This peculiarity is due to two factors: its aerodynamic shape and the skill of the pitcher. However, for the Boomerang to return it is necessary that the person who launches it takes into account the direction of the wind.
As a weapon intended for hunting, the Boomerang is intended to hit and stun the prey so that in this way it can be easily captured.
There is a belief that the Boomerang is part of the culture of the Australian aborigines, but this is not exactly the case, since the ancient Egyptians and other civilizations have also used it as a hunting tool.
A form of entertainment
Like the bow and arrows, the Boomerang is an ideal device to carry out a recreational activity outdoors. In fact, there are sports competitions that consist of throwing the Boomerang so that it glides in the air and returns to the hands of the thrower. This technique is not as simple as it may initially seem, as it requires a lot of practice and a perfect mastery of the technique. On the other hand, it must be taken into account that an incorrect way of throwing the Boomerang can cause an accident.
The boomerang in its playful-sports version has spread throughout the world because it can be practiced outdoors, it is inexpensive and at the same time fun.
The Boomerang effect
Sometimes we make a decision that pretends to be beneficial to us but ends up hurting us for some reason. When this happens it is said that there has been a "Boomerang effect". On the other hand, this effect is also spoken of in the sense that every action involves a reaction. In short, the Boomerang effect refers to causality or the law of cause-effect. In this sense, using the concept of the Boomerang effect is not intended to explain any law in a strict sense, but rather it is simply a "law" of life itself, since our decisions have consequences.
Photos: iStock - VladimirFLoyd / gavran333
