What Is the Purpose of a Weathervane?
The weathervane has an extensive history that goes back centuries to ancient Rome. Weathervanes were an important part of short-range weather forecasting long before the barometer was invented. Farmers, sailors and astronomers have used weathervanes to assist in planting crops, sailing and determining the direction of the wind. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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According to Sailing Issues, the Macedonian astronomer Andronicos built an octagon-shaped structure called the Horologion of Andronicos in 50 B.C., with the first weathervane attached to the top. The weathervane was a bronze statue of Triton. His pitchfork pointed the direction in which the wind was blowing. Weathervanes were also found on Viking ships in rudimentary form to guide their sails while in the open sea. Medieval castles sported weathervanes that carried their banners and coats of arms, proclaiming the ownership of the land.
Design
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Weathervanes are usually constructed out of metal, such as iron or bronze. A typical weathervane usually has an arrow that points in the direction of the wind. Directional markers for north, east, south and west are located under the arrow. Rural weathervanes sometimes have a figure on top of the mechanism that gives it a focal point, such as a rooster, chicken or pig.
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How It Works
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When the wind blows against the fletching, or feathers, of the arrow, the arrow spins into the direction of the wind. The arrow is designed to balance unevenly on its axis so the tip can move in the direction the wind is blowing. The direction the tip is pointing corresponds with the geographical direction located below the arrow on the markers.
Symbolism
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According to Annapolis Weathervanes, most churches had weathervanes installed around 1,000 A.D. under edict from the Roman Catholic Church. Another reference to weathervanes is connected to a slang term for a politician whose stance blows with the wind.
Weathervanes in Art
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Weathervanes are a popular subject in folk art, including quilts, oils and pastels. Traditional Dutch Amish quilts often feature the weathervane pattern in their designs. When rural people were not close enough to a church to view the weathervane, they often crafted their own and placed it atop their barn to assist in predicting the weather. Collectors interested in antique weathervanes have paid up to $700,000 at auction for these symbols of farm life and Americana.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit silhouette of weathercock over blue sky image by Alena Yakusheva from Fotolia.com
