Vuvuzela: what it is and where it is used

Vuvuzela (photos are located below) is a pipe, which from all musical instruments produces the loudest sound resembling a bee buzz. It is made of plastic and reaches a mark of one meter in length. For the first time in the civilized world, this pipe was used by football fans during the world championship, which was held in South Africa in 2010. Today, the popularity of this musical instrument has grown, because it allows you to create a unique atmosphere during competitions in various sports.

History of appearance

Not every person knows about such a pipe as vuvuzela, that this device was made by ancient tribes from the horns of antelopes. With his help large animals during the hunt in the boundless savannah brought to panic. In the nineties of the last century, just before the start of the World Cup, the pipe became a popular toy for South African children. Vuvuzeloy it was called by local fans, bringing the instrument to football fights. Today, such an accessory in the state is very popular and is available in almost every home. During any competition, even elderly people sometimes get it out of their chests.

Opponents of pipes

Many players, commentators, and even TV viewers oppose the use of these musical instruments in matches that are held under the auspices of FIFA. The famous player of Madrid "Real" and the national Spanish team Xabi Alonso after one of the games said about a tune like Vuvuzela that this device, or rather the noise from it, prevents you from concentrating on the match itself. Complaints and proposals for their prohibition have been repeatedly received from many other football figures and functionaries. As numerous surveys of fans from around the world show, opponents of these pipes are mostly people with a different culture or those who are not accustomed to the monotonous sound produced.

In response to such statements, FIFA President Joseph Blatter said that Africa itself is a different rhythm and another sound. In this regard, the functionary did not see the reasons why it would be worthwhile to forbid people to follow musical national traditions. Moreover, he stressed that none of the fans would understand if he was forbidden to sing or play the drum during the match.

Supporters of Vuvuzel

Whatever it was, fans from South Africa do not agree with their opponents. Most of them argue that the sound of vuvuzela is unique. It not only creates a unique, bright and lively atmosphere in the stadium, but has also become an integral part of the local culture. Moreover, in their opinion, this musical instrument, like no other, thanks to its peculiar sound, allows expressing loyalty to the beloved team. Above all, he emphasizes the uniqueness of the way to support his players, because in other countries it is generally accepted to beat drums and sing.

Parameters of the published sound

There is another very interesting fact, which is associated with such an attribute of the fan as vuvuzela. That this device produces a peculiar, unusual sound, has already been noted above. Along with this, not every fan that uses it knows that the strength of the sound produced by the pipe is 124 dB. This is below the pain threshold by only 1 dB. In this regard, it becomes clear why the tool has so many opponents. And the truth, the sound of one pipe becomes a real test for human hearing. Do not forget that the stadium at the same time can be buzzing several thousand VUVUZEL. As for the national pipe made from antelope antlers, the sound power produced by it is 140 dB.

Methods of struggle

To at least somehow fight the sound that a fan of such a pipe makes, football fans from all over the world come up with different ways. For example, for iPhone owners, a special application has been developed, the main purpose of which is to suppress the sound produced by such pipes. It should be noted that there is also a program with the opposite purpose - it produces a similar noise. Moreover, some fans upload a special melody, the sound waves of which, as if suppressing the waves that are produced by vuvuzela. It's hard to believe that this is realistic, but the download statistics show the opposite.

Results

To summarize, it should be noted that the world football community (including players, commentators, fans) was divided into two main camps, based on the attitude towards vuvuzelam. Some people hate them, but others simply are delighted with the atmosphere created by them. In any case, a person who is indifferent to this musical instrument is very difficult to find. Whatever it was, but the vuvuzela, which caused such an ambivalent attitude, became the most popular souvenir that fans from all over the world brought home to their friends from the 2010 FIFA World Cup.