When a clown steps into the circus ring, the audience prepares for fun. But why do some people feel anxiety instead of laughter, and a flicker of fear appears in their eyes? An unexpected paradox: images created for entertainment become a source of fear—how can this be explained? The answer lies hidden in science, history, and mass culture, where clowns have unexpectedly acquired a sinister aura. Why does the joyful world of clowns so often frighten? Let’s search for explanations together.
Why Clowns Frighten
Coulrophobia is the scientific name for a persistent fear of clowns. According to the American Psychological Association, up to 12% of adults and children experience at least mild anxiety at the sight of clown makeup. Psychologists explain the phenomenon primarily as a reaction to exaggerated makeup. The white face, ornate eyebrows, and huge mouths replace natural facial expressions, and people lose the ability to read the emotions of the person in front of them.
Francis McAndrew, professor of psychology at North Illinois University, notes: “It’s hard for the brain to understand a character’s intentions when their face is hidden by makeup.” Exaggerated features make the clown frightening because the emotional signals become ambiguous. To the psychological reasons, behavioral characteristics are also added. Clumsy, abrupt movements, strange gait, and the deliberate disruption of normal behavior cause inner tension in the viewer.
According to research by the British Psychological Society, the human brain reacts with caution due to evolution to images in which it is difficult to read signals of danger or friendliness. Coulrophobia manifests in different ways: for some, it causes mild discomfort, for others—full-blown panic attacks. Clinical practice confirms that patients may avoid movies, parties, even pictures with clowns, experiencing nausea and intense anxiety.
If the fear seems irrational, perhaps the answer lies hidden in the historical roots and development of the clown image over the centuries.
A Journey Through the Ages: How the Image of the Clown Emerged
Archaeologists have discovered images of comic performers in Ancient Egypt and Rome, where special mimes and jesters entertained the public with eccentric behavior and deliberately ridiculous costumes. In Medieval Europe, the role of merrymakers became associated with jesters and skomorokhs (traditional Russian performers)—they not only made people laugh, but also satirically commented on events, challenging the order.
Between eras, attitudes toward these characters changed dramatically. In certain periods, church and secular authorities banned performances, considering laughter dangerous for morality. However, performers managed to form secret societies, staging performances at private parties. When society once again opened its doors to street and circus clowns, the artist’s image acquired new features: a bright mask, eccentric costume, and pronounced duality of character.
Historical jesters resembled modern clowns not only in appearance, but also in their ability to amuse and disturb at the same time. Gradually, an archetype became established in culture: the mask hides not only a funny character, but also the mystery of human emotions.
The history of clowning is not only a change of eras, but also the stories of people who forever changed the perception of the profession.
Great Performers Who Changed the Face of Clowning
The name Joseph Grimaldi has forever entered history as the symbol of a new type of clown art. Born in 1778, Grimaldi created the image of a clown recognizable by his completely white makeup and bright costume. His performances delighted the public, and 19th-century journalists called him the “king of clowns.” Grimaldi introduced a special emotionality: his clown could be both funny and evoking sympathy.
Emmett Kelly appeared in the arena at the beginning of the 20th century and amazed the public with the character “Weary Willie”—a sad, unlucky clown who made people smile through sympathy. Kelly’s childhood was difficult; his parents’ divorce and poverty left a mark on his stage persona. The art of pantomime and improvisation allowed Emmett to create unique acts where the audience could cry and laugh at the same time.
Charles Adrien Wettach, known as Grock, became famous in Europe thanks to his amazing juggling and musical talents. His performances combined physical comedy, dexterity, and absurd tricks, for example, playing the piano while standing on his head. Grock’s phrase “Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face” became a symbol of the clown’s humane mission. Each of these performers influenced the perception of the profession in their own way: one created a public favorite, another became a symbol of sadness, and the third conquered audiences with his diversity.
Why in the 21st Century Is the Attitude Toward Clowns So Ambiguous?
Modern Clowning Between Humor and Fear
Today, there are between 50,000 and 100,000 professional clowns worldwide, according to the World Clown Organization. Most of them combine performances with their main job: only 5% of performers receive a steady income from clowning. Clowns work in circuses, amusement parks, schools, shopping centers, and hospitals, where they entertain children or help relieve stress.
Nevertheless, mass culture maintains the image of the scary clown. Characters like Pennywise from Stephen King’s novel “It” or the Joker from DC Comics have become the embodiment of fears. The media regularly report cases of mass panic associated with people appearing in clown costumes. According to researchers at the University of Sheffield, after the release of the film “It,” the number of inquiries about coulrophobia increased by 20%.
Stephen King’s Pennywise in pop culture has become the standard of the “evil clown,” so his image is used not only in movies but also in horror games. For example, in the VR game IT: Escape from Pennywise, players have to face this monster. Considering the cult status of his image, it is not surprising that he inspires developers. There are also other horror games in which clowns serve as a frightening element.
But in the gambling industry, the image of the clown returns to its roots and is the embodiment of fun, which makes them an ideal choice for slots. Among the most popular clown-themed games are Clown Fiesta, Circus Brilliant, and Clown Prince. There are also slots for those who like scary clown stories—for example, Crazy Clown.
The main feature of all gambling games with clowns is that they present a vibrant show, which makes them so popular. An equally bright atmosphere prevails in the popular game CrazyTimeGame, which is distinguished by special show elements. In terms of overall mood, the game really resembles a circus, but without the image of a clown.
Different countries preserve their own traditions of clown art: in some places, clowns bring joy, while in others, caution. Experts in the field of medical clowning believe that the art of clowns helps in the rehabilitation of children, reduces anxiety, and promotes patient adaptation.
The Multifaceted Image of the Clown: Laughter, Fear, and New Trends
The duality of the clown’s image is reflected in contemporary art: a clown can be both a comedian and an object of anxiety. Hospital clowns, Cirque du Soleil projects, and new comedy shows prove that the positive side of the profession remains. Why, then, does the clown remain a mystery? Can fear be replaced by admiration?
Today, the profession of clown is a mirror of our fears, hopes, and expectations. Should we be afraid of clowns, or perhaps it is time to return them to their rightful place among the symbols of joy? This question remains open for reflection by everyone who has ever looked at the smiling face of a performer through the prism of their own feelings.
