The mysterious image of a common tree branch baffled many at All Cute offices. After much speculation, the answer emerged – it was used for a practice dating back to the 1500s called “Water Dowsing.” This technique, also known as divining or well witching, used a Y-shaped branch to locate water.

The dowser held the branch’s ends with palms up and tilted it at a 45-degree angle toward the Earth. As they walked, they watched for the bottom of the Y to rotate towards the ground, believing it signaled the presence of water below.

This practice originated in the 1500s when it was used to find metals in the ground and later to locate water for rural homeowners, saving them time and money. Although modern technology has debunked the myth, some water drilling companies still use this technique as a preliminary check before drilling. So, next time you spot a Y-shaped branch, you’ll know its surprising history.