From Aristocracy to Cinderella: A Handyman's Tale of Lawn Care, Gender Roles, and Nature's Symphony

I play the role of my mum's handyman, and one of my recurring tasks every other week is to tackle the lawn mowing duties. 

In the pre-machinery era, lawns were a privilege exclusively enjoyed by the wealthy elites, serving as a status symbol that required substantial resources and a sizable workforce for maintenance. The immaculate condition of these expansive lawns subtly indicated a family's financial prosperity, prompting aristocrats to scrutinize the state of the grass as a proxy for evaluating economic well-being. The size of the lawn carried weight in social standing, with the meticulous upkeep of a vast expanse signalling affluence. Negligence in maintenance invited speculative gossip among elite circles, and even the height of the grass, suitable for activities like lawn bowling, became a subject of scrutiny, fueling discussions about a family's financial circumstances.

In the wake of machinery innovation, there was significant economic growth and a shift in the distribution of de jure power, transitioning from being concentrated among elites to becoming more accessible to the masses. As a result, individuals like you and me could now afford the luxury of a charming, smaller lawn. While the prospect of having a pristine lawn may not be as affordable in bustling urban areas like Kuala Lumpur, suburbs and rural areas have become accessible havens for those seeking a quaint patch of greenery to call their own.

Despite technological advancements, mowing the lawn remains a demanding chore often associated with a sense of masculinity due to the physical exertion involved. Whether pushing or pulling a mower or hiring someone for the job, it's common to see a man handling the machinery while any accompanying woman takes charge of collecting the cut grass. This trend isn't limited to specific regions; even in the United States, I've observed men engaging in this task on Sundays, utilizing sophisticated equipment and a Budlight in hand, all before settling in to watch their favourite football teams play.

While mowing the lawn is perceived as a laborious task, nothing inherently prevents a woman from engaging in it; rather, cultural stereotypes have entrenched the activity as traditionally male-dominated. Some individuals may enjoy the imagery of a masculine-looking man mowing the lawn, sweating without a shirt, taking breaks to sip lemonade, and perhaps even spilling some on his chiselled abs. Despite these stereotypes, it's essential to recognize that anyone, regardless of gender, can take on and excel in the task of lawn maintenance.

Last year, as I pursued my master's degree in the UK, my mother took on the responsibility of mowing the lawn on her own. This firsthand experience is a testament to the fact that lawn maintenance is not exclusive to men. However, I can't help but worry each time she undertakes this laborious task, especially considering her age. The toll that the physical exertion under the hot sun takes on her body is a concern, highlighting the importance of acknowledging the physical strain such tasks can pose, regardless of gender.

Surprisingly, my mother finds joy in mowing the lawn because, apparently, it makes her feel like Cinderella. How, mother, how?

Despite the physical demands, she shared that a pair of mynah birds consistently accompany her during this task. After completing the mowing, she takes pleasure in rewarding her avian companions with fresh, delicious worms from the garden that she has thoughtfully saved for them. This unique connection with nature and the sense of accomplishment from tending to the lawn has turned a seemingly laborious task into a delightful ritual for her. 

Indeed, without fail, a pair of mynah birds accompany me each time I mow the lawn. I attribute their consistent presence to the newfound accessibility to worms and other delectable insects on the ground. The shorter grass resulting from the mowing facilitates their access to these treats, which were previously challenging or hard to reach due to the overgrown vegetation. This recurrent interaction underscores routine chores' subtle but meaningful impact on the natural ecosystem, creating a symbiotic relationship between human activities. I am sure the moment the mynahs hear the buzzing sound from my lawnmower, they go, "Yummy wormies for lunch!"

For me, the act of mowing the lawn brings not only a sense of personal satisfaction but also a feeling of being part of something larger — the ongoing process of evolution itself. I perceive the mynahs' behaviour as a manifestation of the domestication of animals, akin to how ancient 'dogs' evolved into the companions we know today and wild cats transformed into the furry creatures we adore.

The boldness displayed by these birds, particularly the mynahs, seems to be a survival strategy passed down through generations. While some pipits in flocks cautiously approach the lawn only after I've completed the task and retreated indoors, the mynahs are already at work. It appears that their audacious approach, akin to the proverbial early bird catching the worm, may contribute to the size difference between mynahs and pipits.

In making an educated guess, it seems that the more daring gene among mynahs could be a factor in their larger size compared to the pipits. This may also explain why mynahs typically appear in pairs, emphasizing a preference for companionship, while pipits may find comfort and safety in larger flocks during their travels and foraging activities.

With all that said, man, it feels good to feel like Cinderella! It was FABULOUS. The next time I mow the lawn, I anticipate overanalysing and cherishing this unique connection with nature, finding joy in the seemingly ordinary act of tending to the green expanse that welcomes the mynahs and, in turn, makes me feel like a character in my own enchanting story while having some lemonade with my 6-in-1 abs.